by David Washburn, BGAV Treasurer

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Every church depends on two groups of people who rarely receive enough recognition: the paid staff who pour themselves into ministry week after week, and the volunteers who show up faithfully without a paycheck. Honoring them well is not optional—it is part of cultivating a healthy church culture. But for most congregations, the budget for appreciation is modest at best. The good news is that meaningful recognition rarely requires significant money. It requires intention.

Start with the personal touch. A handwritten note from a pastor or elder carries weight that a gift card never will. Take 10 minutes to write specifically—not “thanks for all you do,” but “I watched you stay late three Sundays in a row to make sure the nursery was ready, and I want you to know that did not go unnoticed.” Specificity communicates that someone was truly seen. Keep a small supply of quality notecards on hand and make it a weekly practice.

Use the platform you already have. Sunday morning is a powerful moment. Dedicate 60 seconds during announcements to spotlight a volunteer by name, describe what they do, and invite the congregation to acknowledge them. This costs nothing and communicates to the entire body that service is valued. A brief paragraph in the weekly bulletin or e-newsletter accomplishes the same thing in print.

Create low-cost traditions that people look forward to. Host an annual volunteer appreciation dinner. Cater the meal, so your volunteers don’t have to prepare food, and have a short program. A few well-chosen words from leadership are invaluable. The consistency of the tradition matters more than the production value.

Give the gift of time and flexibility. For paid staff, sometimes the most appreciated gesture is unexpected time off. Providing an extra Sunday is gold for staff, not to mention bonus days before a long weekend or during the holidays. These cost the church very little in dollars but communicate enormous trust and care.

Pray for them by name. In a staff meeting or volunteer orientation, pause and pray specifically for each person present. It takes five minutes. It is free. And in a church context, few things communicate value more clearly than being lifted before God by name.

Celebration does not require a large line item. It requires leaders who are paying attention.

Rev. David Washburn is BGAV’s treasurer.

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