Three Important Elements of Volunteer Appreciation

By |Published On: February 5, 2020|Categories: For the Church|

“Gratitude is a way to pour back into someone who is pouring themselves out.”

Of all the resources God gives to us, there is none more precious than time. It’s possible to earn more money, or rest to regain energy. But time is different. Once you spend it, it’s gone for good.

Time is as precious as it is difficult to steward.

When it comes to spending money or exerting energy, you have to make an intentional choice to swipe a card or go to the gym. But with time, we can easily while away the hours, letting grains of sand slip unnoticed through the hourglass.

That’s why volunteers are my heroes.

Volunteers spend that precious non-renewable resource blessing others, and because of this, they deserve gratitude! Gratitude is a way to pour back into someone who is pouring themselves out. While it’s unhealthy if volunteers serve for the applause, it’s equally unhealthy for their leaders to withhold gratitude when they are grateful. And remember: just because you feel grateful doesn’t mean they feel appreciated!

So how do you show your gratitude?

Consistency – If you take the time to express your gratitude on a regular basis the volunteers serving in your ministry will have no reason to wonder if their hard work is being noticed.

Showing them appreciation in a variety of ways throughout the year is a great idea, but simply saying “thank you for being here today!” is easy to do and helps them understand that their faithful service is valued.

Creativity – Take different approaches to showing your gratitude!

Handwritten notes, luncheons, gift cards, publicly highlighting their service… there are many ways to show your volunteers you see them, you appreciate them, and their work is making a difference. Share the impact that their work has on the families you serve, especially if they are doing work that is more administrative in nature.

Candidness – A hollow “thank you” can be worse than no thanks at all! It’s like giving someone a box of chocolates with one bite out of each piece.

Frustration and weariness can prevent you from being genuine in your gratitude. But remember that your volunteers do not have to be there and yet they choose to give their time, energy, and talents to help the ministry grow. If you force yourself to personalize your “thank you” you not only help them feel appreciated, but you may rediscover why you appreciate them.

Ministry can be lonely and taking time to pour out gratitude can be as filling for you as it is for them.

Be encouraged that we are better together! For all the frustration that comes in ministry, take heart in knowing that God is the one who brings growth if we are faithful to plant seeds and water them. And let us thank God for the co-laborers He has brought alongside us. The harvest is plentiful, so let’s be grateful for the workers in the field.


Written By—Ali Howard

Ali Howard is a Baylor University graduate and previously served with Joni and Friends as volunteer coordinator and content editor for the Irresistible Church book series.

A young Joni and Friends voltuneer hugging a young girl with down-syndrome as they both smile at the camera.

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