THE ORIGINAL SOURCE FOR WOMEN'S LEADERS SINCE 2001

Encouraging Women's Ministry Teams

Julia Bettencourt

March, 2015, From the Online Leadership Conference.

Good leaders recognize and applaud the contribution of team members and volunteers.

Ways to Encourage Those Who Help in Ministry

Most of these do not require means or money, but just a little bit of kindness and time.

1. Pray for them

as a group
individually
for unity within the team or group of volunteers

2. Get to know each team member or volunteer

by talking to them
by finding out more about their family
by finding out more about their likes and dislikes
by finding out what they like to do in their spare time
by finding out more about their relationship with the Lord
by finding out their favorites (food, colors, flowers, etc.)

3. Respect their time

by being sensitive of their family dynamics
by being aware how much time a particular task might take to accomplish
by starting and stopping meetings on time
by not wasting their time with unnecessary meetings

4. Respect their input

by listening
by looking them in the eye when they speak
by not cutting them off when they begin to speak
by allowing suggestions and ideas
by actively seeking out their opinions

5. Listen to their concerns

even if you don’t agree
even if they say it with emotion

6. Acknowledge them verbally

one on one

7. Acknowledge them publically

in a church service
in a group setting
during an event
by giving them name badges to wear during large or major events

8. Acknowledge them in print

by placing their names in your event program with a “thank you” (Don’t forget anyone!)
by placing their names in your newsletter
by submitting a thank you to your team in the church bulletin

9. Send personal thank you cards

thanking them for their hard work
thanking them for anything they did specifically
thanking them for their time
thanking them for their support

10. Give them small thank you gifts

11. Take them all out for coffee or to a yogurt shop

12. Invite them over to your home

within a week or so after a major or large event when everyone has worked hard
serve dinner or snacks
treat them like special company

13. Praise their progress on tasks

14. Give them needed supplies or a budget for their job

15. Remember their special days

Birthdays
Anniversaries

16. Brainstorm with them

on themes and programs
on retreat and conference planning
on activity ideas
on ways to encourage your group in the faith
on ways to get your ladies reading and studying the Bible more
on ways to fundraise
on meal plans for events

Go to the Teams and Volunteers Index.

Find more helps in the Encouragement Index.