7 “Spintacular” Volunteer Retainment Principles

When it comes to building a healthy volunteer culture, what can churches learn from local gyms? Read on to find out!

I joined a gym a couple of years ago. A spin gym to be exact. During a tumultuous time in life, I found that riding a stationary bike to loud music was good for my body and my mind, too. At first, I slipped under the radar. I’ll just show up once a week, do my thing, and leave, I thought to myself. But that didn’t last long. The friendly community and growth-minded culture changed my mind. Before I knew it, I was committed, enjoying my progress, and looking forward to the next ride.

One afternoon, as my legs whirled round and round on the pedals, it dawned on me: When it comes to volunteer retention, perhaps church communities can learn a thing or two from their local gyms.

So check out these 7 “spintacular” volunteer principles for churches. Let’s specifically think of children’s ministry, but these principles apply to any ministry at your church.

1. Call people by name.

At the gym: A welcome desk awaits each person who walks through the door. Staffers are there, ready and waiting to greet folks by name. When they don’t know a particular name, they don’t settle for a “Hi, there!” It’s “Please remind me of your name.” Realizing how many people come and go, I don’t mind giving a reminder. It’s nice to hear my name.

At church: Ministry leaders arrive before volunteers. Lights are on, doors are open, and music’s playing. When volunteers (and sometimes their kids) arrive, they’re greeted by name. The team that’s serving together today feels known and seen and ready to go.

A healthy volunteer culture starts when volunteers walk through the door. Are you ready for them?

2. Celebrate Milestones

At the gym: Reach 25 rides? 100 rides? 250? Prepare to be celebrated! From names and number of rides on lockers to light-up numbers placed in front of bikes, milestones are noticed and celebrated. We even snap a sweaty photo with instructors at each milestone to be posted online and shared for the world to see!

At church: Keep track of how many times volunteers have served. “This is Mr. Mike’s 300^th  Sunday school lesson taught!” Make a special pin for volunteers to wear or hang a star on classroom doors to inform parents of milestones volunteers meet. Then kids and families will celebrate and thank them too!

Certain milestones might warrant an extra special gift—like a gift card to a local restaurant or a special Bible or book of their choice. It’s not about attention—it’s about honoring faithfulness and inspiring volunteers to invest for the long run.

A healthy volunteer culture extends when people have sustainable goals to strive for. Have you set them?

3. Ask, “Need anything?”

At the gym: Riders get settled at their bikes before class starts. The instructor is present, stopping by each bike, checking equipment, and asking “All good to go?” or “Need anything?” Most riders are ready, but some really do need help adjusting the seat or clipping into the pedals, or they forgot a towel or hairband. They wouldn’t have asked, but when help is offered, it’s welcome.

At church: Volunteers are getting settled in their designated spots. They’re sorting supplies, looking over lessons, and greeting kids as they trickle in. You or a designated leader checks in to make sure they’re good to go. You’ve reminded them of your support and presence.

A healthy volunteer culture requires support. Do you offer it every weekend?

4. Repeat the Basics

At the gym: Everyone’s ready to ride! Rather than launching into the workout, though, the instructor repeats standard instructions at the beginning of each ride. “Push the button on your monitor.” “If you need to stop, press the red knob.” “I’ll call out RPMs and resistance throughout the ride.”

Remember, some riders have celebrated their 300-ride milestones! And yet, basics bear repeating so everyone’s ready to roll. Repetition is embraced, not skipped. And riders know what to do.

At church: You may assume volunteers know the two-person bathroom rule and other safety guidelines. Remind them anyway. Volunteers may seem to know how to work technology. Review the steps again. You expect teachers to know the lesson’s one key Bible point and Bible story. But just in case, refresh their memories. Information repeated is still helpful information. So set everyone up for success by reviewing the basics each week.

A healthy volunteer culture requires clarity. Are you communicating the basics?

5. Give Snacks

At the gym: A container of Jolly Ranchers sits ready for riders when they arrive. And energy drink samples and beverages are offered after rides every now and then. Providing food isn’t only about meeting a need. It’s about creating shared space for riders to chat after a good workout—even if it’s just about their favorite flavor.

At church: You may already power up volunteers with coffee and doughnuts prior to their service. But what about creating space for post-service sodas or peppermints? It’s not about filling tummies or fixing bad breath. It’s about creating a meet-cute for volunteers—a space in place and time to not-so-randomly run into each other after their work is done.

A healthy volunteer culture requires space. Have you made some?

6.  Say “Goodbye” and “Great Job!”

At the gym: Riders may be sweaty, worn out, and a little smelly. But instructors stand by the door, ready to offer high-fives and affirmations of a job well done. No one meanders off their bike and into the crowd without their work being acknowledged. Even if it’s just a quick but effective “Nice work!”

At church: You’ve said hello by name. Now be sure to say goodbye. Tell volunteers they did well. Mention something specific you noticed and offer a high-five and a “thank you.” Short and sweet is just fine. This isn’t about offering helpful feedback. It’s about acknowledging effort and encouraging hearts—even the tired ones.

A healthy volunteer culture acknowledges hard work—consistently and inclusively. Do you see it?

7. Send Stats

At the gym: Post-ride, an email arrives in my inbox. It gives my stats and the playlist from the ride. Green text shows my improvement. Red text shows if it was a rough ride. Good, bad, slower, faster…the stats show what I accomplished.

At church: Send a post-service volunteer email right away. You may not have personal stats to share. However, you can share how many kids were served that day, who has an upcoming birthday, or when a special event is taking place. Include a written prayer of blessing that trusts God to bless and multiply their efforts. You’ll be honoring volunteers’ service and sacrifice and believing God will bless the work.

A healthy volunteer culture recognizes accomplishments. Do you notice and share them?

Over time, these 7 volunteer retention principles create a healthy volunteer culture of belonging, investment, and commitment. And they just might keep your team fit and ready to serve for the long run!

Looking for more volunteer content? Check out these Tempting Volunteer Recruitment Mistakes from our friends at Ministry Spark!