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Many books, blogs and articles have been written about volunteers. There are books on keeping them, training them and appreciating them. And all of these materials are super materials. But I would like to take a different look at thanking volunteers. I think the best way to thank a volunteer might be to treat them just the way I would want to be treated. So, what would I want if I were a volunteer.

I hope each of you reading this has been a volunteer at some point in your ministry so that you have some point of reference to draw from as you read. If you have not been a volunteer, it is also never too late to become one. Volunteer in another ministry or with a community organization. It will help keep you refreshed and full of ideas of what your volunteers really want.

For 25 years I was a volunteer children’s pastor and I still volunteer with Pastor Justin Kochs at Central Assemblies’ Kid Zone here in Springfield, MO. So with that many years of volunteering, here are a few things I have noticed that I like when I volunteer. Make sure and put yourself in the volunteer seat as you read these.

Communication – When I volunteer I certainly don’t need to know everything the leader is thinking but I do need to know what is pertinent to my part in the plan. Keep your volunteers apprised of their parts and how their part fits with everyone else’s and if something changes, make sure they are the first ones to know.

Appreciation – Everyone is different here. Some people like the appreciation to be in the form of a gift, others just need a smile, thumbs up or a word of encouragement. I know I just need that encouraging word every once in a while. But no matter the type of appreciation, we all need some form of it. I would recommend coming up with a yearly appreciation calendar and fill it with reminders of all different types of appreciation like banquets, notes, texts, and even gifts. Be creative though, it really is the thought that counts.

Use me in my Gifts – God has placed within each one of us a “hot” button. It is that passion that drives us to do more, that feeling that I could do this all day every day and that want to keep coming back and doing it again. I remember once, my pastor asked me to work in the nursery. Please know that if they had been desperate I would have risen to the occasion. But I know that is NOT my thing (I bless those of you that it is). Time spent getting to know your volunteers “hot” buttons will be well worth the effort because they will be the most loyal and valuable workers you have. Otherwise, they will probably be the first to drop out.

Training – Again, this comes in so many shapes and sizes. One training does not fit all. I know I need to see it done and do it myself to really get something. You may have others in your ministry that will need to work with someone as a shadow, or maybe they need a book, online training or workshop on the subject. Others may simply need to just brainstorm with you to hear your heart. Whatever way it is, make sure you are properly “equipping the saints for works of service”.

Respect and Honor – By the way, as a volunteer, I am going to mess up. I do hope that doesn’t surprise you. How you handle my mess up may either make me or break me, literally. I know as a leader that if my volunteers mess up, I will bear their mess up myself in public and teach and rebuke (if necessary) in private. However, on the flip side, if one of my volunteers does something great in public I will honor them immensely in public and not take that honor for myself.  The scripture “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” completely works here.

These are in no certain order (except maybe the communication one).And they are by no means an exhaustive list of how to work with volunteers. When you really want to thank your volunteers just think about how you would like it to be done. Putting yourself in their shoes will definitely get you a long way in securing a strong and vibrant volunteer base.

By the way, Pastor Justin, you are doing a super job!