Give Them Recognition…Sweet Volunteer Incentives

Help…Help…Help!  Volunteers to the rescue! 

How many times do volunteers come to your rescue when you say…”I need someone to serve…can you help?”  How often have they filled a vital need in your ministry by pitching in at the last minute or simply teaching every week in a classroom full of kids?  

Help…Help…Help!  Volunteers to the rescue! 

How many times do volunteers come to your rescue when you say…”I need someone to serve…can you help?”  How often have they filled a vital need in your ministry by pitching in at the last minute or simply teaching every week in a classroom full of kids?  

Do you recognize, encourage, and appreciate them like you should…when they serve regularly or at the last minute?  Have you expressed to them recently that they are special, important, and that they play a vital role in the children’s ministry at your church? 

Think back on how many times you have encouraged your team of volunteers throughout this past year.  Have you expressed your gratitude recently?  Can you remember when you last said “thank you” to a volunteer who faithfully serves and shares Jesus with the children? 

As a children’s ministry leader, it is important and necessary to recognize, encourage, and thank our volunteers for their service to the Lord and our children.  A special note, small token, phone call, or a special word of thanks can uplift and encourage a volunteer who faithfully serves in your ministry week in and week out. 

Regularly surprise them with a special treat along with an encouraging note just to say thank you.  Before volunteers arrive to serve, place a small piece of candy along with a note of appreciation for each volunteer. If time allows and you know every volunteer by name, then personalize the note by adding the name at the top of your message. By personalizing a message volunteers are more likely to stay connected, promote, and support the children’s ministry…and not just feel like just one of the crowd. 

Volunteer incentives help encourage, promote, and support those who serve so faithfully in your ministry.  Here’s an idea that might work for you.                                                                                        

Select small candy bars or pieces of candy as your incentive.  Candy is a sweet, inexpensive and an easy way to say…”You Are Special.”  Below are twelve notes along with specific candy that I have used in the past to encourage my volunteers.

Supplies:

Brightly Colored: Copy Paper or Card Stock

Paper Cutter

Scissors

Tape

Stickers (optional)

Ribbon (optional)

Candy (select the type according to the message)

• Decide which message you would like to use and print it off on the colored paper or card stock, one per volunteer.
• Trim the paper or card stock according to the size you need after the message has been printed on the page. 
• Stickers, borders, clip art, etc. can be added to the message to make it more decorative. 
• Tie or tape candy to the note making sure the message can be easily read.
• Deliver messages and candy to each classroom, nursery, and check in station before class starts. 
• Wait and see the smiles and comments from your volunteers. 

Here are a dozen ideas that will taste sweet to the body and to the soul. 

1.   Almond Joy:  You are making a difference by sharing the joy of the Lord with the children. Thanks for bringing the joy of the Lord into the classroom.

2.   Payday:  May the Lord give you a payday filled with blessings.  Thanks for all you do in Children’s Ministry.

3.   Whopper:  You are making a whopper of a difference in the life of a child.  Thanks for serving so faithfully with the children.

4.   Chocolate Heart:  God is using you to touch the hearts of children.  Thanks for serving children with all of your heart.

5.   Lollypop:  Your sweet spirit and pop of enthusiasm is making a difference in the life of a child.  Thanks for teaching children to love Jesus.

6.   Chocolate Mint:  You are a mint in the eyes of our Lord.  Thanks for serving the children and teaching them about Jesus.

7.   Snickers:  Let the snickers of boys and girls fill your heart as you touch their lives with God’s love today.  Thanks for your commitment to the kids.

8.   Taffy:  You always stretch out your hands and heart to the kids!  Thanks for sharing the sweet taste of Jesus with your class.

9.   Baby Ruth:  You are a real team player.  Thanks for being such a hit with the kids.

10. Hershey Kiss:  This kiss is from God.  Thanks for allowing Him to empower you today as you serve the kids.

11.Starburst:  You are a star in the eyes of the kids.  Thanks for being a burst of blessings to us all.

12.Milky Way:  You are out of this world.  Thanks for serving our kids with a galaxy of energy.

As the school year comes to an end many of your volunteers will need to take a summer break.  Recognize them now for their support, dedication, and most of all for the impact they are having on the lives of children throughout the year.

Volunteers are essential to your ministry.  Don't’ forget to give them the recognition that they deserve and need to stay encouraged!

By the way…A party is also a fun way to say “we love you…thanks!”