One Thing You Can’t Assume Your Volunteers Know About You

I’m willing to bet that you are grateful for the men and women who serve in your ministry.  The question is, “Does your team know that you are grateful?”

Courtesy of Key Foster/Creative Commons License

Your gratitude is something you can’t assume your volunteers know about you.  Even if it feels obvious you need to show it and on a daily basis.  The reason you might struggle in this area is because:

• NOT EVERYONE IS AN ENCOURAGER

• YOU DON’T HAVE ENOUGH TIME

• YOU DON’T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY

• YOU DON’T KNOW HOW TO

BUT, if you love your ministers you need to start showing your gratitude by:

DOING FOR ONE WHAT YOU CAN’T DO FOR MANY

What makes gratitude special is when it’s unique.  Granted you might want to thank everyone; however, that’s not always possible and it doesn’t mean as much when you do it for one person.

That one person will see your gratitude as a way of affirming them in their unique gifts and abilities.  It will encourage them to continue to focus on what they are doing and take it to a new level.

KEEPING IT PERSONAL

Writing your team a simple thank you note or giving them a phone call can go a long way.  It communicates that you made the time (a priceless commodity) to pay them special attention.

PUBLICING PRAISING THEM

When you brag on someone publicly it not only shows them gratitude, but raises the bar on others.  People will see that you care about certain people performing at a certain level.

You can publicly praise someone at a meeting or post on social media a minister of the week.  When you praise them publicly you give them a sense of pride that will help them raise the bar.

CREATING A CULTURE

While you need to be thanking volunteers you shouldn’t do it on your own.  As you build up leaders you need to make sure they embrace this concept too.  When you work in a culture of empowerment and encouragement you’ll be able to take on any challenge.

Your ministers are important.  They expand your capacity and bring your ministry to new levels.  Do not take them for granted and make sure you are always showing gratitude.