The Top Fourteen Tips for Effective Children's Ministry - Tip #7 - Remember to Say, "Thank-You!"

While today's tip may seem like a "no-brainer", far too often we do not say, "Thank You!" to the people serving in our children's ministries and we end up being people who not only take others for granted, but we become people who use others, too. I never want volunteers to feel like they are taken for granted or are just people I can use until they are used up and then will replace with the next people to use up. 

While you may never say, or even really think, these things, if you are not intentional about being thankful, you run the very big risk of becoming, unthankful; so, if you are serious about truly being a thankful person, consider the following . . . 

• First of all, thank God! Stop and think, how often do you really thank God for all He has done and is doing in your children's ministry? Be someone who regularly and quickly thanks Him for everything - big and little!
• Definitely thank your volunteers - regularly and intentionally. Thank them with words, with actions and with tangible expressions - cards, cookies, events, etc.
• Always be aware of who is doing what and be sure to say, "thank you", but only if it is something you are actually thankful for. Do not let your "thanks" become "rote" or "canned". Be CERTAIN it is sincere. Be CERTAIN your appreciation is specific, not just the same expression you use for everything.

We need to be thankful to God and the volunteers in our children's ministry, not only because it is nice, but because it is the right thing to do. Be thankful; genuinely thankful and freely express your thankfulness!

What do you do to make sure you are thankful?