In 2015, I was privileged to go through the Coaching Mastery Course with Dr. Keith Webb in the Seattle area. I learned a method of coaching others and many other great things. One of those was the great importance of celebration in our work and ministries. Unfortunately, it is something that we often neglect. We avoid it for fear of neglecting to mention someone, so we simply don’t do anything. I don’t think that is the solution. While pride has no place in our ministries, it is important to highlight those who help you and impact the ministry. God highlighted people for their faithfulness in His Word. We need to do the same for the men and women who serve with you as you minister to students.
One of our biggest questions about this subject is, “How?” How do we properly celebrate the work of those serving with you in student ministry or any other area of ministry? It can be a challenge, but it is one that we don’t need to neglect. Here are some suggestions for making it a priority:
• Start with private words of affirmation. Private words of affirmation can be incredibly powerful. They can be said person to person, through text or a card/letter. Celebrating your team starts with a simple “Thank You.” If you are worried about others that serve but aren’t thanked becoming jealous, private words of celebration are a great approach. While electronic forms of communication are suitable, there is nothing like sending a handwritten note in the mail. During the holiday season, adding a note of thanks to a Christmas card is easy.
• Share public words of affirmation. While private words are an important place to start, we shouldn’t stop there. If you write a weekly article for a worship guide or a monthly newsletter, highlighting your team’s work is easy. The biggest challenge is simply being intentional. You can also mention your team on social media and thank them in that public arena. Celebrating your team from the platform on a Sunday is always an option as well, but it is one that you need to discuss with your lead pastor.
• Consider small gifts of appreciation. A small gift of kindness can really make the people on your team feel loved. Do they love coffee? A gift card to a local coffee house will make them feel cared about. Do they not like coffee? (Yes. There are some of us out there.) Then, don’t give them the same gift card as you give those lovers of the bean. Try Sonic or something else that you know they love. Just remember that they need a gift card large enough to cover at least one drink. Don’t give them a $3 gift card when a drink is $2.99 plus tax. Think about how they will spend it as you make the investment. Also, consider gifts to help them grow in their spiritual walk. Don’t simply give them Jesus junk. Put some thought into what you are sharing with them.
At my coach training, I really struggled to celebrate. Their approach was cheesy to make a point during the seminar, and I wasn’t comfortable with it. However, that didn’t make it wrong. You may struggle to celebrate your team consistently. Use a holiday, like Christmas, to step into the process and genuinely thank them for the work that they do.
How do you celebrate your youth volunteers? Join the conversation at facebook.com/groups/StudentMinistryMattersCommunity.
