A Miscellany of Ideas For Encouraging Volunteers

1.  If you have the space, organize a Sunday School teachers’ room. Stock it with a coffee maker, kettle, mugs, tea, coffee, cookies, and maybe even a batch of fresh muffins each week. Encourage teachers to come here before and/or after class. They will enjoy sharing with each other, and feeling special. Sometimes you might like to add a special treat, or an encouraging message.

2.  From time to time give small affirmation gifts to your Sunday School teachers. They are corny but effective.

• A bag of chips - "You’re a chip off the block; you’re so like our Father!"
• A small package of peanuts - "The kids are nuts about you - thank you for bringing them out of their shell!"
• Small mirror - "You’re a reflection of God’s love."
• Elastic bands - "Thank you for being so flexible."
• Seasoning packet - "You add spice to our program."
• Bugles snacks - "Thank you for proclaiming God’s word."
• Heart shaped eraser, soap or candy - "We appreciate your heart for children."
• A light bulb - "You have bright ideas!"
• Recipe cards - "You have the ingredients of a great teacher."

3.  At the beginning of the year, prepare a small package for each teacher containing: a candy kiss - to remind you that we all need hugs and kisses.

• a band aid - for healing hurt feelings, your own or others.
• a candle - to remind you that a little brightness goes a long way. Mt 5:16, "Let your light shine . . ."
• sweet and sour candy - to help you to accept and appreciate the differences in others.
• a lifesaver - God is ours . . . you may be that lifesaver for someone else.
• a kleenex - for the unexpected tears.
• a key (or a picture of one) - the key to all the above is Love

Call your package a Teacher’s Survival Kit. If you can find hollow plastic apples, put everything in one. If not use a small gift bag.

4.  Hold a Sunday School Teacher’s Retreat. Rent the necessary number of rooms in a small motel with dining facilities not too far away, making sure you will have access to a meeting area. You may be able to get a special rate in September or October. Charge teachers a nominal fee, say $20, for the night and the two meals, and ask your church to pick up the rest of the bill. Arrive on Friday night in time for supper, and have a card or small gift at each place setting. After the meal, play games or do other group building activities. After breakfast on Saturday, give a training session.

For many teachers, a night away from family responsibilities will be a totally new and very much appreciated break. You may well be surprised at the attendance you get!

5.  The 6 E's for successful teacher training meetings.

• Encapsulate - have a time limit and stick to it, say 1 ½ hours. Let the teachers know ahead of time that the meeting will be over at a certain time.
• Encourage - let teachers know what an important part of the church’s mission they are. Give an encouraging bookmark, or card.
• Energize - give a vision of what is to come in the children’s program. Let teachers see the big picture.
• Equip - teach a skill. Storytelling, a new game or two, how to encourage children to pray, an interesting art or craft technique, a first aid skill.
• Empower - use a short inspiring video clip, or a moving Sunday School story.
• Evaluate - give teachers a chance to discuss or jot down the needs of the children’s program, and ways they feel it is doing well or might be improved. Ask how the church leaders can best encourage them in their ministry to children.

6.  Ask seniors or shut-ins to pray regularly for one Sunday School class and its teachers. Tell the teachers about this.

CE Director's Page | Diocese of Fredericton