Volunteer Appreciation Week 2025: Don’t Miss It

Imagine a church with an overflow of volunteers. They are eager to contribute to the ministries they love, and they are great at what they do. These volunteers are so excited about their contributions that they tell others about it and even recruit more volunteers… That’s what volunteer appreciation is all about!

Now, open your eyes. You aren’t dreaming. In fact, this can become a reality at your church with a few tweaks or additions to your follow-through with volunteers. Since churches need many hands to work effectively, ministers are often quick to recruit volunteers but may forget to notice them, thank them, and express appreciation for them.

Doesn’t it feel good when someone notices your work and thanks you for your contribution? You might receive a thank you when you help a family member. It might be a friend who thanks you for being a good listener. 

Some amazing things happen internally when we receive appreciation.

Here are just a few of these reactions:

• First, our brain releases a feel-good hormone, which helps us to feel happy and calm.
• Next, our stress level decreases.
• Finally, we want to continue the thank-you-worthy behavior. 

As an elementary teacher, I recall an almost magical trick to help student behavior improve. It’s pretty simple—notice and celebrate the students who are following directions, and other students will emulate that behavior.

While ministry involves adult volunteers rather than children, the principle remains the same. When we express appreciation for our volunteers, they feel valued, their stress levels decrease, and they are inspired to continue serving with joy.

10 Practical Ways to Show Volunteer Appreciation

With Volunteer Appreciation Week just around the corner (April 20th-26th), here are 10 creative ways to celebrate your volunteers: 

1. Candy Bar Surprise: Set up a colorful Candy Bar with a sign that reads: Thank You, Volunteers! Provide snack-size candies and small bags or mugs so volunteers can fill them up as a sweet token of appreciation.
2. You’re So Sweet! Dessert Table: Host a dessert table with mini treats and a sign that says: You’re So Sweet! Encourage volunteers to enjoy a well-deserved indulgence.
3. Care & Prayer: Dedicate a moment during a worship service to pray over the volunteers, asking for God’s continued guidance, strength, and blessings in their lives.
4. Brag Bag Shout Outs: Include a Brag Bag section in your ministry newsletter, bulletin, or social media. Feature a few volunteers at a time or mention some collective things that make you want to brag about them. 
5. Thank You Card: Write a personal thank you card to each volunteer, stating a few reasons why they help your ministry run smoothly. 
6. Volunteer Appreciation Meal: Set a date and time, send invitations, and have a meal catered (by a restaurant or some great cooks in your congregation) to thank your volunteers with a yummy meal.
7. I Spy: Encourage team members to play “I Spy”—whenever they witness a fellow volunteer doing something great, they write it down and pin it on an I Spy bulletin board. Share these moments in newsletters or during meetings!
8. Coffee & Cocoa Bar: Set up a coffee and hot cocoa station with flavored creamers, sweet mix-ins, and sprinkles. Leave a note: You are our pick-me-up every Sunday—enjoy one on us!
9. Use Your Words: Instead of assuming volunteers know they’re appreciated, tell them! Speak directly to them, share what you admire, and highlight how their efforts make an impact.
10. Merci!: Place a sign on the wall that says Thank You in various languages. Teach each children’s or youth ministry class to say thank you in one of the languages. Invite them to use their newfound language to say thank you to each volunteer they see on a specified Sunday. 
    Here are some examples:

Appreciation All Year Long

While Volunteer Appreciation Week is great, we can be sure to spread the love throughout the year. Here are some ideas to thank your volunteers throughout the year:

• February: Valentine’s Day: Grab some heart cut-outs and show your volunteers some love with handwritten thank-you notes. You can even encourage others in your ministry to write a note to your volunteer team members to express their gratitude for the team. 
• March/April: Easter: We all love Easter surprises! Attach a note of thanks to a small, sweet, Easter treat.
• May: End of School Year: They made it! Celebrate making it through the whole school year. Share a meaningful prayer of thanks with your volunteers for their dedication throughout the year.
• August/September: Kick-Off Encouragement: We’re back! During your volunteer training meeting, begin with a few stories of impactful volunteers and share how valuable they are to your ministry. 
• October: Light up the Ministry: Share Matthew 5:16 on a printed note: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Attach a mini flashlight or candle as a symbol of their impact.
• November: Season of Gratitude: Take time during this thankful month to send messages, emails, or even small gifts to express appreciation.
• December: Christmas Cheer: A simple Christmas gift will show your volunteers how much you appreciate them. Consider a $5 gift card to a local coffee shop or a useful item with your ministry’s logo. 

Are you looking for a few new recruits to appreciate? Check out this free Volunteer Recruitment Guide. When appreciation is woven into your ministry culture, volunteers feel seen, valued, and motivated. They become more engaged, more committed, and more likely to invite others to serve alongside them.

After all, regular appreciation isn’t just about retention—it’s about creating a joyful, thriving ministry where people love to serve. So, start today. Notice. Thank. Appreciate. Watch your volunteer team grow—not just in numbers but in passion and purpose.

Elaine Pendergrass

elaine.pendergrass@ministryarchitects.com

Elaine comes with a wealth of knowledge about teaching and learning, child development, and children’s discipleship. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Studies and an M.A. in School Administration, both from Gardner-Webb University (Boiling Springs, NC). Elaine has devoted her career to education and children’s ministry. She has served both in public and private schools as an Elementary teacher, Instructional Specialist, Preschool Director, and Head of School. She served as a Children’s Minister at two large churches in Houston, TX. Elaine is passionate about loving children, making disciples, and equipping families to raise their children in faith. Elaine and her husband David have two beautiful children, Hayden and Julia.