Saying Thanks

Youth ministry programs can be very busy. This is especially so if you are a volunteer. It often feels as though you’re just moving from one activity to the next with hardly any time to catch your breath. With all this hustle and bustle of activity it is easy to forget  a simple “thank you” to the folks serving alongside you. My wife reminds me on a regular basis that it is always a good thing to say thank you and to apologize (but that’s another blog article for another time). Saying thank you to those that you work with can be a very powerful motivational tool that you cannot forget about, so here are a few tips on ways that you can thank people in special ways:

Say Thanks to Those Who Worked the Hardest.
In addition to a quick word of thanks, consider a hand-written note to those who gave their blood, sweat, and tears for this particular event. Keep the faithful happy and loved and they’ll serve you well for years to come. When you go the extra mile with the highly committed…they will likely go many more miles with your ministry!

Save Thanks to Those Who Usually Go Unnoticed.
The janitor who cleans the carpet after a 7th-grader spilled fruit punch. The church bus driver who has to navigate traffic while listening to your group sing One Direction songs at the top of their longs. The mom who slaved in the kitchen to bake goodies for your bake sale. When you remember the people so easily forgotten, it makes a huge impact. So think back over your event and think of people who are too often invisible and show them a little love.

Say Thanks for No Reason.
“No reason” thanks are the best. Say thanks as a surprise. Say thanks when it’s unexpected. Say “I noticed” when you see something that needs to be affirmed.

Make a list today of those you need to thank for this past school year. Keep a running list of the people who contribute this summer and make sure you say thanks to them, too.

I would end this article with a special thanks to you for your support by reading this blog.

THANK YOU!