Rewarding Volunteers?

[de Silentio]

Can you post the bunny graphic, I am intrigued.

[chockedup]

In our church when our volunteers do something cool, new or have been working on something real hard, our pastor gets up there - calls every person involved - takes them up there. The volunteer team is then appreciated, prayed for and blessed. ...... Oh ....... we also get a little more budget to do more stuff (Awwwwwsome).
I believe it's king of nice and motivating.

[Steven]

We have Tech Ministry shirts and badges that we give out to volunteers. We provide snacks/food when volunteers will be on campus for a long time (Easter, Christmas, major events). We have about 40 people on our team, though, so it can get expensive when we try to give gifts or other items to our volunteers.

Any recommendations for a way to say thanks to a large team? We've found that having a special party doesn't work, as most of our volunteers aren't thrilled with the thought of having to come to church another night out of the week.

[D.R.HADDOCK]

I think most people like to feel they are contributing something useful and positive.
I dont think that just giving gifts in return is the best answer.
The responsible leader should maintain a personal relationship with all the team members
and let each member know they are a valued member of the team, and that the teams
work is also valued by the church.
I also think that informal get togethers from time to time, like a BBQ also helps build the team spirit.
I know that as a team member my self, that I dont really value gifts, I just act grateful so not to hurt well meaning peoples feelings.
I dont do it for the gifts, I do it because it helps in some way to build GODS house.