Do Your Volunteers Have to Earn Your Love?

Do your volunteers have to earn your love; your thanks? Or are they loved unconditionally, just for who they are?

I spent the evening with my family last night. My youngest son turned 25 and we all met for dinner. It’s such a joy to spend time together; to laugh, to remember when, to just hang out. And as most mothers are, I am very proud of my sons.

I’m proud of them, not because of what they have accomplished, or their bank accounts, or even their abilities. I’m just proud of who they are. When you consider your family, I’m sure you feel the same way. You love and appreciate them for who they are–not what they have accomplished or the skills they possess.

How about your volunteer team? Do they know they are loved and valued for who they are? Do they know how much you appreciate having them on the team? Or perhaps…do they only feel valued or appreciated for what they do?

Stop and think about your team for a minute. Think about their gifts. Their personalities. Their presence. Then after you thank God for each one, find a way to let them know how much you appreciate serving alongside them.