10 Low-Cost Ways to Show Appreciation for Church Volunteers

A strong, committed volunteer team is vital to any church. Volunteers arrive early and stay late. They’re the smiling faces on a rainy morning in the parking lot. They make coffee, check-in children, lead small groups, welcome guests, and much more. With all they do to serve the church, it makes sense to show appreciation for church volunteers. Thankfully, you don’t need a big budget to communicate how much you value their service.

Here are ten low-cost ways to show appreciation for your church volunteers:

#1 – Quick Thank You

Send a brief text of email to a volunteer you saw doing a great job on Sunday morning.

#2 – Make Phone Calls

Call your volunteer leaders. Ask how they’re doing, if there’s anything you can do for them, and if they have any suggestions for improving the area they serve in.

#3 – Send Thank You Cards

Mail a few handwritten thank you notes to volunteers each Monday. Look around on Sunday to see who’s going the extra mile to welcome guests and take care of people. Type a few quick notes in your phone if needed, then write your thank you notes the next day.

#4 – Feed Them

Bring light snacks to your pre-service volunteer meeting or the next volunteer training session.

#5 – Share a Meal

Go to lunch or coffee with a couple that volunteers together. Let them know how much you appreciate them, ask about their story (how they came to the church, their family, careers, spiritual growth, etc.), and let them know you’re always open to hearing their ideas.

#6 – Recognize Them Publicly

Have all volunteers stand up in Sunday morning service and thank them from the pulpit.

#7 – Share Their “Why”

Share testimonies of people who’ve surrendered their lives to Christ after feeling welcomed and loved by volunteers.

#8 – Take Care of Them

If a volunteer is in the hospital or has a family emergency, visit them and/or provide meals and other assistance as needed.

#9 – Visit with Volunteers

Walk around as volunteers are serving and thank them for their work. Take a few minutes to lend a hand or ask if there’s anything they need. One reason why volunteers quit is if they feel like leadership isn’t listening or inviting feedback. Make sure they know you value their input.

#10 – Pray

Pray for and with your volunteer teams each week.

Above all, invest in your volunteers and in how you lead them.  This requires being intentional and carving out time to create a healthy volunteer culture.  For practical tips on how to make that happen, check out The Volunteer Management Toolkit (Church Edition).

How do you show appreciation for church volunteers?

2 thoughts on “10 Low-Cost Ways to Show Appreciation for Church Volunteers”

  1. Pingback: Getting and Keeping Volunteers for Christmas

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