Our youth ministry team started to huddle after the youth program last week. I was unsure how they would feel sticking around for another 45 minutes, so I went all out and got them gourmet cupcakes. By their reactions, you would have thought I was giving each of them an individual birthday cake. It was a simple gesture that turned into a huge win.
I love spoiling my leaders because I want them to know how much I care about them. Some of them are my closest friends, they know my family, and I know theirs. Others are just great people I enjoy talking to and seeing. The secret to building a dynamic team of volunteers is by making sure they know that you value them.
It isn’t brain surgery, but it is something we overlook. If you want your volunteers to excel in their ministry and enjoy every moment, you need to show them the love they deserve. And it starts with:
INVESTING IN THEIR FORMATION
Training needs to be ongoing and come in different facets. The simplest way to invest in their formation is to create a weekly newsletter to share podcasts, videos, and articles to help them grow as leaders. You can also take them to workshops and classes provided by your diocese.
Suppose you have the budget to buy a book that you can read together or go to a conference. Teach them through the four pillars of formation: spiritual, pastoral, human, and intellectual. If the local seminary or university offers classes on a specific subject, encourage them to sign up for it.
The more you encourage and offer formation opportunities, the stronger and more creative your leaders will become. They’ll be better at catechizing and evangelizing. They’ll become resources for you and your ministry.
DISPLAY BIG AND SMALL SIGNS OF GRATITUDE
A simple thank you card can go a long way. Not only do people appreciate snail mail, but the gesture of writing out a card, paying for a stamp, and mailing it means that they are worth your time. If your leaders like coffee, treat them to a cup. If you see them do something unique, get them a gift card. There is no sign of gratitude too big or too small.
If you feel like you do not have the time to thank everyone, that is okay. When we do something for one person that we cannot do for everyone, it means a whole lot more. Your gratitude towards others should be unique, so don’t hold back because you cannot reach everyone.
CREATE COMMUNITY
A team means that volunteers serve one another by encouraging people when they need the motivation and holding others accountable to stay on task. The healthiest times I’ve led a ministry is when the team members knew each other and invested in one another.
If volunteers form friendships and bonds with one another, it’ll increase their commitment. They will not feel alone, and the burden to hold it all together will not fall solely on your shoulders. Create community by ensuring your volunteers pray together, and share life.
If you have volunteers, show them that they matter. Tell them that you love them, that you care about them, and then follow through on your words. Know that your investment in your team is an investment in the kids, teens, and families you are called to serve. Build up your gratitude and watch the attitude of your ministry grow joyful.
What are the different ways you invest in your volunteers?