The Missing Award

For most churches, Awana clubs are run, in part, by volunteers. As you approach the end of a very challenging year and plan your upcoming awards ceremony — whether it will be in person or online — celebrate and thank the leaders who contributed their time and love to the kids in your ministry. The following blog was first published almost two years ago, but is relevant today.

This year’s awards night was going to be the best. Sarah had poured her heart into her Sparkies all year, and had done so for nine years. She was excited but exhausted. As she sat in the center of the fifth row behind the guests of honor, the kids, her mind wandered. “I wonder if anyone would notice if I didn’t come tonight?” she thought.

Sarah considered this year exceptionally great; two girls in her handbook group had trusted Christ as their Savior. She came for the kids each week, but was never asked to do more than listen to verses. And she rarely had a chance to talk to the director since he came straight from work and made it just in time for the start of club. But tonight was going to be special. “Surely after this year,” she thought, “I’ll get a ‘Thank you.'”

The evening went on, and all the kids received their awards. Parents were thanked for bringing their kids during the year. The director was given a gift certificate for directing Sparks five years in a row. However, rather abruptly, the chairs were disassembled as the kids ran off with their friends and parents hurried to put little ones to bed.

Not so much as a “Glad you were here tonight.” Sarah got into her car and whispered to herself, “I just don’t think Awana is for me.”

Is there a Sarah in your club, a leader who would appreciate hearing her faithfulness is appreciated? Or someone who thinks his weekly service is insignificant? As you approach the end of the year and awards season, try one of these three meaningful ways to thank your volunteers. They won’t cost a dime.

1. Give each volunteer a blessing during your awards night. Whether up front or in person, share some specific actions or characteristics you noticed in them that made an impact in kids’ lives this year.

2. Share volunteer stories in your end-of-year communications and/or awards night. Volunteers create memorable moments every week. Think back on the year and share several of those moments that made you laugh, made you proud or made your kids love Jesus more! Make sure to share pictures that include every single leader in your ministry.

3. Have the kids record a thank-you message for their leaders. This takes a little more coordination and planning, but is incredibly meaningful. After all, even though volunteers are there for the kids, hearing from you how they make a difference is motivation to keep serving year after year.

This blog was originally written by Betsy Sentamu. It has been updated by the Awana editorial staff.