IN THE TRENCHES

On May 6 and 7, Group held a Volunteer Leadership Summit at our headquarters in Loveland, Colorado. Three dozen volunteer leaders from churches across the country (and even as far away as Japan!) came together for a time of learning and sharing. In one exercise, everyone worked together to think through creative ideas of recognizing volunteers for their service, and they came up with some great ones!

• Volunteer “mugging”—call them forward and give them a mug with a certificate inside
• Annual recognition service with music, testimonies, and certificates
• Video of appreciation shown in worship service
• Shepherd of the Month recognition
• Appreciation brunch
• Insert in bulletin with a volunteer’s name and story on one side, and a sign-up sheet for new volunteers on the other
• Sharpie award—give a marker to someone who has done something “sharp”
• Pass-it-forward award—start with one person who then identifies someone to pass it on to the next week
• Fun, messy luncheon at a crab shack
• Give out snacks with themes (Goldfish crackers: You’re a great catch!)
• Article in newsletter highlighting volunteer of the month
• Video thanks by kids (or whoever is recipient of the volunteer’s ministry)
• Quarterly tea for ministry volunteers
• Rose bush to plant
• Kids’ Choice awards
• Cup of coffee for every ____ hours of service—Coffee Perks
• R.A.K. Attack—Random Acts of Kindness (gifts, cards, and so on)
• Themed appreciation event
• Starbucks card
• Make breakfast for office volunteers
• Luncheon for teachers, served by kids
• Picnic
• Department barbecue in someone’s home
• Gifts tailored to the volunteers’ individual love languages
• Sunday Night Live (SNL) awards quarterly for a lay person— “caught in the act” with photos; “caught being good” slips for kids
• Workers and recipients give testimonies at events
• Scavenger hunt for teachers that brings them to an award
• Academy Awards theme event
• Potluck brought to volunteer’s home, progressive meal for several volunteers
• Expo and recognition dinner
• Designated prayer partner
• Thank you notes
• Have a drawing to go out to lunch or dinner with a ministry leader; one-on-one time
• Pool party for workers and families
• Staff and leaders serving a meal to volunteers
• Utilize community resources (local businesses) to donate or provide discounted products and services

Many thanks to the folks who shared their creativity with us. You can do the same, and help hundreds of other volunteer workers by sharing your experiences with us here.