Mutual Admiration Society

I've been on both sides of the table for this one, so I thought I'd bring a little perspective to the pot luck. First, let me get some housekeeping out of the way, and no, I'm not talking about the pile of laundry that is sitting on my bed waiting to be folded. I'd like to start by making a statement that may seem foreign to some - we are all ministers. We may not all be partaking in a monetary reward for our ministry. Nevertheless, we are all ministers. With that out of the way we can proceed.


In my time in ministry I've been part of 2 small churches and one mid-size church. To maintain the safety of this blogger I will not point fingers or identify to which of these churches I am referring when I make certain statements. That way, everyone who has/does attend church with me can tell themselves that all of the good comments refer to their church.

Now, I've never been a member of a mega-church, so I cannot speak for them. However, I can say that in all the churches I've ministered there are never enough volunteers. I've never known a pastor to turn down a legitimate offer to teach Sunday school, clean a bathroom, or watch the nursery. I'm sure most churches could use a few good men and women to usher, greet or clean up after functions. The thing I have noticed is this: even more than the need for volunteers, there seems to be a real and ever-present need for appreciation.

Appreciation: gratitude, recognition. The simple act of saying thank you for a job well done can go a long way. IMHO, it does not take fancy dinners, expensive gifts or any monetary reward to show appreciation. It is free, which is why it seems such a shame that it is in such short supply. Studies show that people will work harder for less money if they feel rewarded for their efforts in other ways. Everyone needs a little nod of recognition and an "atta boy (or girl)" once in a while.

I'll talk to the pastors first for the simple fact that their example sets the stage for the way the rest of the church responds. Pastors, I know you have your plates full - sermons, visitation, board meetings, etc, etc, ad infinitum. However, I would like to offer a few words of gentle advice: please appreciate your volunteers. This team of people who commute an hour or more each way to work, work all day long, rush home to feed their families, go to soccer practice and still make time to head up the church spaghetti dinner or car wash deserve your gratitude. If you are finding that you are short of volunteers, try acknowledging the ones you do have. Notice the faithful Sunday school teacher that has been teaching the class so long that she is now instructing the second or third generation of your church. Thank the person who drives the church bus/van to pick up all of the people who would never make it to service otherwise. Your job without them would be impossible. They require very little in return for their hard work - a simple thank you will suffice.

Now, let's serve the second course of this appreciation dinner. Volunteers, sometimes we start feeling neglected or underappreciated. We start to be grumblers and complainers, and the less appreciated we feel, the louder our grumbling becomes. My advice to you is to give what you so desire. If you are pining for a thank you, starving for a pat on the back, or craving a little recognition, then give some of the same to your leadership. It may just cause a chain reaction. You know, pastors are people too. My favorite phrase that volunteers sometimes use is: "well, that's why they pay the pastor." Let me just say this, in most cases the pastor is not getting paid enough to do whatever it is you want him to do. As a whole, our pastors are not recognized nearly enough for all they do. So many times we just think they sit in their offices working up next Sunday's sermon. We forget to consider that they have a whole host of responsibilities that we should thank God we don't have to perform. We think about all the things we have to do in a day, but sometimes we should take a moment to consider that pastors have PTA meetings, ballet recitals and oil changes too. Come on, show them a little love. I can tell you from experience that a little love for a pastor goes a long way.

Let me share just a minute about one of the most wonderful churches I've ever had the pleasure of attending. It was the first church that allowed me to take part in its ministry. It was a small church, and there was such a camaraderie there. Please do not misunderstand me. It was not perfect; if it had been, I couldn't have attended. However, the man who taught me a great deal about how to minister also taught me a great deal about how to be appreciative. I'm going to break the rule I instated earlier because I cannot fail to mention this man's name, Michael Coday. He was the youth pastor, and my husband and I were his volunteer youth workers. Mike recruited us from the local Bible college, and we drove 45 minutes each way to be a part of his wonderful ministry. Mike taught me the valuable lesson I am encouraging you to learn: no matter what you do in life, family, ministry - take a little time to appreciate the ones that are a part of it.

For good measure, I'll be the first member of this Mutual Admiration Society. To all my pastors, both past and present, thank you. Thank you so much for all your love, support, prayer and generosity of time and spirit. To all my fellow volunteers - thank you. Thank you for teaching my child in Sunday school, leading me in worship, and the myriad of other things you do.

I have been paid as a part-time minister if you can call the small stipend we received pay. I have spent the majority of my time in ministry as an unpaid volunteer. I can tell you that on whatever side of the table you sit - pastor or volunteer - you can always afford to show a little appreciation. The cost is minimal, but the return is incalculable. I hope you'll consider obtaining membership in my little club. There is only one requirement - go forth and tell someone just how much you appreciate them!