Rewarding Volunteers?

[katanna]

I am looking for ways to reward (AKA: say "Thanks!") to the AV volunteers at our church. At Denton Bible Church, the entire worship team (music and AV) are taken out to eat after the service. However, I don't think that would really work for me... we have three volunteers, and all three are married with kids. And because they are of a different generation that I am, it wouldn't be the same kind of fellowship as with a group my age. (the Denton Bible Church group is mainly college kids, so it works well)

What are ways that you say thanks to your volunteers? I like creative thinking, so help me think outside the box!

Matthew

[Gracetech]

We provide breakfast and usually give Best Buy gift cards away at Christmas time. I don't think we would loose any volunteers if we dropped those two things but it's a nice way to show them we appreciate what they do.

We also have pizza night every month. This is done more to entice volunteers from all of our campuses to come together to get trained. I hardly think the pizza is enticing but at least dinner is covered and everyone gets to geek out for a while.

crt

[kbob]

branding them, in terms of getting them shirts, caps, or name badges can be one way to increase the team concept part of it. Having a separate pizza or steak night (grilled) could still be a great thing to do, as could some kind of public recognition from the pulpit-a formal day of appreciation, with some kind of gift or certificate, is always a nice touch.

Even more so when it's more than just a quick thanks from the pulpit, but something just a bit more formal and prepared.

[[Admin] osborn4]

Midnight Oil has AV team shirts and hats as one idea.

I'll be turning my attention to Church Media Day as soon as I can and offer some suggestions then, but keep September 28th in mind for a big celebration this year.

[[Director] Joseph B]

My church gives all the volunteers a box of macaroons every Christmas. And to be honest I do get a lot of comments (most of them good) about what I do.
Since I now have (for the first time in years) an adult and teen team member (there's three of us now!) I guess I'll have to start pondering that question as well. I'm thinking of maybe do a custom T-Shirt on Zazzle.com

[madill]

Originally Posted by Joseph B

And to be honest I do get a lot of comments (most of them good) about what I do.

I get a great deal of positive feedback. It took "taking some time off" after I upset a few people, about 10, with an "over the edge" clip from Lumicon made in the Moore-Wilson days...and, the playing of "People Get Ready" during communion. After that I didn't do second service (traditional, older crowd) for about a month. In a ministry meeting one of the older ladies: genteel, refined, dignified type...wanted to know what had happened to the media....was I sick? on vacation? She let the most vocal of the opposition know she missed it and more than that her husband really missed it. The media ministry turned a corner that day and even those who don't especially like it have learned to live with it.

People letting me know they appreciate what I do means more to me than anything...but, what I'd really like to have is "media ministry t-shirt"!!!

[[Director] Joseph B]

Yeah when you show something "different" it isn't always appreciated.
For instance, I'm never, ever, ever, allowed to show Dan Roth's "it's not about the bunny" graphic again, ever. And my Santa with an MP4 Submachine Gun captioned, "be good or else", another never to be seen graphic.
It seems sometimes I move from cutting edge to over the top.

[tedanderson]

I think it would be a good idea to buy every member a new color TV. Walmart and Target sell 13" models that cost less than $100. Throw in a DVD/VCR combo for another $60 and you will have a winner! Everyone likes new electronics!

[cw4u]

As far as I know, the only thing we get as a "reward" is mainly the appreciation of the church staff and members. That really is all I need. We usally also receive polo shirts that say "FBC Biloxi - Media Ministry" and for our youth techs, t-shirts that say "FBC Biloxi Student Ministry - Tech Team". Finally, the church sometimes gives us a meal for free when we are working on seasonal/special events.

To me, just having somebody walk up and tell you "well done" just makes my day. Of course, I need to thank the one who is allowing me to do this as well.

[Lee Ann]

Originally Posted by Joseph B

I'm never, ever, ever, allowed to show Dan Roth's "it's not about the bunny" graphic again, ever.

You actually showed it once?!?! That just might possibly get me fired.....although it does make the e-mail rounds every year to those on staff who I know have a sense of humor......

We do Best Buy or other gift cards at Christmas and notes signed by as many of the staff we can find after other especially volunteer intensive events(Easter, concerts, etc).

It's hard to go wrong with a gift from www.thinkgeek.com. I have a bunch of shirts, gadgets and even a few... um... toys! It really is a geek bonanza. For Christmas last year I sent the BOD various geek things. Giving is a blast.