How to Build a Volunteer Appreciation Strategy That Actually Sticks

Most Churches Appreciate Volunteers… Just Not Often Enough

If you’re like most ministry leaders, you’re incredibly grateful for your volunteers... but life gets busy.

Sundays come fast, and those thank-yous often get delayed or forgotten.

You might shout them out during Volunteer Appreciation Sunday or mention them from stage after a big event, but that’s not the same as consistent, personal appreciation.

And when appreciation is sporadic, it feels performative. But when it’s part of your regular rhythm, it builds loyalty, morale, and ownership in your mission.

Volunteer Appreciation Starts with Consistency

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to create a new program or buy more swag to build a strong culture of gratitude.

You just need a simple, repeatable way to say thank you.

That’s exactly what the Text In Church Messaging Add-On for Planning Center makes possible.

With this integration, you can schedule messages to your volunteer lists right inside Planning Center without switching platforms or juggling apps. Whether it’s the nursery team, tech crew, greeters, or youth group volunteers, they’re already in Planning Center. Now, they’re just one click away from a meaningful message.

A Sustainable Volunteer Messaging Rhythm

Here’s a simple rhythm any church can use:

Weekly Texts

Send a quick thank-you or encouragement message to whoever is serving that week. Keep it casual, personal, and relevant.

Example:
Hey Katie, thanks so much for covering check-in this morning. Your calm presence makes such a difference for new families.

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Monthly Shoutouts

Use Planning Center tags or teams to rotate who gets spotlighted. A personal message goes a long way.

Example:
Just wanted to say thank you to our incredible greeter team. You all set the tone for our Sunday mornings, and we’re so grateful for the joy you bring.

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Quarterly Appreciation Campaigns

Plan a few strategic moments throughout the year (Volunteer Appreciation Sunday, Easter follow-up, Christmas wrap-up) to go bigger. Pair texts with personal notes, event invites, or even small gifts.

Example:
We couldn’t have pulled off Easter without you. Thank you for showing up, loving people well, and serving like Jesus.

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Why It Works

Texting is immediate, personal, and effective. It doesn’t require design work or a long lead time. Just a moment of intentionality and a system that helps you follow through.

With the Text In Church Add-On, you can schedule appreciation messages ahead of time, target specific teams, and track communication all from one place.

You don’t have to choose between heartfelt and efficient. This lets you do both.

Set It Up Today—In Just a Few Clicks

Already using Planning Center? Here’s how to get started:

Select your volunteer team list in Planning Center People.
Choose or create a message in Text In Church.
Schedule it to go out on your ideal day: Friday before they serve, Monday as a thank-you, or midweek for encouragement.

No spreadsheets. No copy-paste chaos. Just simple, ongoing care.

Start Building a Culture of Encouragement

Your volunteers don’t need fanfare. They just need to feel seen.

And that starts with a message.

Try Text In Church free for 14 days and start using Volunteer Appreciation strategies. You’ll save time, reduce stress, and build a healthier team culture one message at a time.