Recognizing and Affirming
When you recognize volunteers, you assure them that their work is important to Covenant and the Body of Christ. When you affirm volunteers, you assure them of their personal value to God. Recognition acknowledges what a volunteer does as a Christian, and affirmation acknowledges who a volunteer is as a Christian.
Purpose: You should recognize volunteers for their contributions to the church and affirm who they are in Christ.
Recognizing
Creating a Recognition Plan
Studies show that when you acknowledge a person’s work, it helps him/her build a sense of self-worth and positively impacts his/her attitude and productivity. You should have a plan for how you will recognize all volunteers’ work throughout the duration of their service. Your plan might include
- sending regular thank-you cards.
- writing a biweekly thank-you email.
- hosting a monthly recognition meeting.
- organizing a recognition dinner.
- admiring a volunteer’s work in front of others.
- sending a small gift.
You should schedule a recurring activity. Recognition is more than just kind words. Be specific in acknowledging each volunteer’s unique contributions.
Affirming
Creating an Affirmation Plan
Affirmation is an acknowledgment of who a person is in Christ. When you lead volunteers, acknowledge their value as individuals and as members of Christ’s Body. You can use the following list of ideas to show that you value your volunteers for who they are:
- Remember and celebrate their birthdays.
- Show interest in their lives, family, work, hobbies, etc.
- Schedule regular times of fellowship.
- Surprise them with special treats.
- Ask for specific ways you can help or support them.
- Follow up on concerns in their lives that they may have shared.
- Pray for them.
- Ask for their opinions and/or advice concerning the ministry or a problem and use their ideas.
Recognition and affirmation are crucial leadership tools. Use them to give volunteers tremendous strength and encouragement for serving God and others.