Leadership / Leading Volunteers Good, Better, Best Courtney Wilson Sweet Treat Chocolate is always a hit, but think outside the wrapper for more fun ideas! Good: Give each volunteer a candy bar with a custom label that reads something like, "You're the secret sweet ingredient in our ministry," or some other appreciation slogan. Better: Order cookie bouquets (cookiebouquets.com or cookiesbydesign.com) and invite volunteers to each take home a cookie. Attach a personal note to each or display a large card where parents can write messages to their children's teachers. Best: Design a special invitation asking volunteers to a local ice cream parlor one evening-and the treat is on you. Plan ahead with the parlor to pay for volunteers who come during the set time, and spend the time talking to your volunteers away from church. The Gift of Time For all of the hours, days, and weeks your volunteers give, why not give them a calendar to say, "Thank you for your time!" Good: Give your volunteers a Christian calendar from a book or discount store. Better: Buy checkbook-style calendars with clear plastic covers. Create a design you can slip into the covers that has your ministry's logo and add a special message such as, "I thank God every day for the time you give to our kids." Best: Take digital pictures of kids in your ministry with volunteers and send in 12 to a calendar-making company such as shutterfly.com. For a custom calendar template, go to childrensministry.com/custom_calendar. Include significant ministry events in your calendar for the next year-including when your fall program kicks off.Words of Encouragement You can encourage your volunteers with nothing but heartfelt words. These "gifts" may be the easiest on your budget and yet leave the deepest impression. Good: Ask your pastor to write a short note of thanks and encouragement on simple note cards to your volunteers. Better: Write a personal note pointing out things that you've noticed about each volunteer and how much he or she loves kids. Best: Buy simple photo albums with pockets you can slip photos and cards into. Hand out index cards to parents and families and ask them to write personal notes to their children's teachers and assist-ants. Slip the notes into the albums and include a photo of the volunteer in the front. Best Yet: Another option is to set up a dedicated line where people can call in and record a message for the volunteer, then you download the messages onto iTunes and burn CDs of the messages. This service is available through lifeonrecord.com. Imagine a volunteer being able to hear little voices say, "Thank you for teaching me about Jesus!" for years to come. You could even design a CD label with a picture of the kids on it. Courtney Wilson is associate pastor of children's ministries in Vancouver, Washington. | Next Page 123 Previous | Print Article Pin It Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Related articles 98 Thank Yous for Volunteers Mary Van Aalsburg Gracias! Dankeschon! In any language, these ideas will help you express your gratitude to volunteers' hearts! "Thanks" is such a simple word, and it comes in many forms -- some... Thanks a Million! Christine Yount Jones Well, maybe not quite a million, but here are oodles of quick ideas that will help you celebrate your volunteers. Give a gift certificate from a local restaurant. Have children use... Thank You Notes Lynda Freeman Creative ways to let your wonderful volunteers know you appreciate them! Your volunteers go above and beyond their calling by faithfully serving -- often without anyone ever taking...
