Last month was pastor appreciation month. From cards to verbal thanks and beyond, the pastors where I attend services were showered with gratitude from our members and friends.
Is that where your thanks ends? While praise to God for appreciation for pastors fills our thoughts, who else’s serving warrants thanksgiving at your church? How can appreciation spur on your local body of Christ to heartfelt love and action?
A simple reflection reveals the myriad of thanks that need to occur. When your church exhibits a culture of gratitude, it shows from the minute someone enters your doors. What follows is a short list of ideas and current practices for praising God by showing gratitude not only at Thanksgiving, but intentionally throughout the year.
Verbal and written recognition
- Personalized notes: Write handwritten or digital thank-you notes. Mention specific contributions, skills used and the impact they have.
- Public announcements: Make special announcements during or after services to publicly acknowledge volunteers, not necessarily always for individuals, but in groups such as musicians or communion preparation. Use social media as a platform to thank God, faculty, staff or volunteer groups. Videos highlighting contributions are appreciated and can spark the interest of others.
- Share feedback and impact: Pass along positive comments you’ve heard from others directly to the volunteer. Interviews about what went well and what could be improved give people a voice.
Gifts and tangible tokens
- Small gifts and care packages: Give gift cards, apparel like t-shirts or tote bags, or personalized mugs sporting the church logo. Assemble gift baskets with treats or items related to their hobbies or interests.
- Food: Many churches honor their staff or faculty with a gift card for a lunch on their birthdays. Provide baked goods or organize a special meal, or dessert bar for them. For large facilities, a monthly celebration is appreciated. “Punny” gifts with playful messages, like candy bars or chocolates catch people by surprise and energize them.
Special events and privileges
- Appreciation events: Host an annual dinner, celebration or exclusive coffee morning just for volunteers, or offer an occasional designated parking spot close to the entrance.
- Volunteer Sunday: Designate an annual specific service to celebrate all volunteers by ministry. Make a list of all the ministry positions needed to pull off just one worship service. It is surprising how quickly the list becomes lengthy.
Professional and spiritual development
- Include volunteers in prayers: Giving thanks for fellow workers is Biblical! The Apostle Paul often wrote thanks to God for those who had helped in the ministry of the gospel. He recognized that God had opened hearts to help. Romans 16 is an entire chapter devoted to thanksgiving and praise for assistance.
- Offer training: Provide access to workshops, seminars or conferences to enhance their skills and spiritual growth, thus equipping them for service in life as well as church events.
- Encourage leadership: Locate someone whose gifts align with need, and then promote faithful volunteers into leadership roles. Involve team leaders in decisions, or schedule meetings to discuss suggestions they have provided.
One of the key components of a vibrant ministry is Reflection and Recognition. For more attend a “Creating a Member Ministry” webinar, which shares about this 8th key component.
And to all of you out there who selflessly serve at church, home and in your community,
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” Philippians 1:3-5
Happy Thanks Giving!
