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Urgent Needs Discussion: Church Growth

What can I do to get great staff & volunteers to keep up the good work?

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Cory Whitehead (Registered User)

Posted: October 04, 2007

This isn't always the first thing I think of, but I try to make the effort to thank my volunteers--privately and publicly--and always specifically. I've handwritten thank-you cards or sent thank-you emails to all of them at times, which I always appreciate myself.

Brian (Guest)

Posted: September 21, 2007

I agree with Jennifer. We need to recognise and appreciate our people. I am associated with an organisation that emphasises the character shown rather than the achievement. We give certificates for every person on their birthday or anniversary for a character quality that they have demonstrated and how it has benefitted the organisation. When we emphasise good character, set a standard by requiring it and then recognise it we are celebrating the fruit of the spirit demonstrated in our people, His character. For more info see www.characterfirst.com.au When people are appreciated they do not steal from you but know their contribution has added value or benefited. The fruit of our walk are all character qualities.

Val (Guest)

Posted: September 20, 2007

I am the director of ministries at my church and work with over 800 volunteers. Though most times I only have interaction with the leaders, I know most of the worker bees and see them in action. Besides an annual volunteer appreciation day where we celebrate them, we also take time to thank them every Pentecost Sunday at our service with a Litany of Ministries. All volunteers (we call them stewards) stand as their work is named and a short prayer of blessing is given. Recently, our church bought cheerful change from Baudville and we now have 200 coin with affirmations being "paid forward". Yes, we have some people who never feel we do enough but to counter, we have people who complain that we shouldn't be spending money on the "volunteers" because they are doing their work for God and not for man. I, personally, hand out back pats, hugs, smiles, Thank Yous, and occasionally a helping hand.

Anonymous

Posted: September 20, 2007

Volunteer of the month presenations to the whole church. Do not place them in positions they are not spiritually gifted for unless it is an emergency and just a one time thing. Build on their strengths and make them even stronger. This is a win/win situation. Volunteer Banquets with testimonies of volunteer accomplishments Personal one on one attention and encouragement Keep your volunteers informed as to what is going on, get their opinions and make them feel part of the team. Take them out to lunch, buy them a gift, send them a card. Smile at them, hug them. Everyone wants to be loved and appreciated, make it your goal to make sure your volunteers know you really, really care. Diane White, Springfield, MO

Matt Branaugh (Registered User)

Posted: September 20, 2007

Rich, I completely agree with your observation, and I'd add one other angle: Showing up to do volunteer work, only to have leaders who don't roll up their sleeves and join in. I did a local outreach day to shut-in seniors back in the spring with some agencies and churches in my area. Not only did the leader coordinating it not do much to actually help in the yards, but he later tried to talk me into working on a pond project that day for his own backyard! And Joanne--you've really nailed it. Leaders and pastors need to make sure their call to recruit more volunteers doesn't alienate the ones who've already given time and energy. Does anyone have suggestions on how to do this?

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