Let Leaders Know You Appreciate Them

Written by Gary Hardin

How long has it been since you expressed appreciation to your church's Sunday School leaders? Here are some simple, but effective ways to affirm and encourage your leaders today!

Say It
I taught Sunday School classes during my college, seminary, and young adult years, so I understand the demands of weekly lesson preparation. Yes, there were weeks when I wished I could have been a pew-sitter with no responsibilities; but I hung in there because I knew God had gifted me to teach, and I knew the church needed me. Some of your leaders may be in that same difficult place. Make a habit of expressing your verbal appreciation to your church's Sunday School teachers and other leaders. The Bible says, "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver" (Prov. 25:11).

Write It
One year in a church where I served, we had a Note Basket Day. We placed baskets outside the doors of Sunday School classes. We asked class members to write notes of appreciation to their teachers and to drop their notes into the baskets. We presented each teacher with a basket of notes. A simple, handwritten note of apreciation can go a long way in encouraging a Sunday School leader!

Celebrate It
When I pastored in Michigan, we scheduled an annual Leader Appreciation Banquet. During the banquets, we would review our Sunday School progress for the year, recognize each teacher, express verbal appreciation, and help the workers know their service had made a difference in our church's ministry. Some years we enlisted a speaker; other years we did not. Leaders left the banquets knowing that they were loved and appreciated.

Pray It
My Sunday morning routine has looked the same for many years. I rise early, review my sermon notes, and then have my prayer time. I pray for the movement of God in our services, and I ask His blessings upon the choir and soloists.

I always include prayers for our Sunday School leaders, too. I ask God to give them wisdom, physical energy, and loving hearts. We have no idea what the Holy Spirit is doing in the lives of class members as the study of God's Word is being facilitated by a caring, dedicated Sunday School teacher. Those teachers need your prayers.

Recognize It
I remember Kathy, a faithful and quality Children's Sunday School teacher. She had taught a children's class in our church for 15 years and was one of the best Children's Sunday School teachers I have ever known. The reason her 15-year tenure was impressive was because this particular church was marked by a high rate of member turnover. The town was transient.

Our children's minister felt impressed that Kathy's service to Christ deserved public recognition. In a worship service, we introduced Kathy, described her long years of effective service, gave her a bouquet of flowers, and honored her with written notes of appreciation from the congregation. Who are the longtime Sunday School leaders in your church who deserve to be honored publicly?

Encourage It
Have you ever noticed that Sunday School leaders with adults tend to have more visibility than those who work with preschoolers, children, or youth? Through the years I have encouraged parents to express appreciation to their child's Sunday School teacher. Teaching the Bible to adults requires effort, of course; but teaching preschoolers, children, or youth is real work. Do not allow these age-group workers, who often serve behind-the-scenes, to go unappreciated. Encourage class members to show appreciation for their teachers.

Gary Hardin is pastor of First Baptist Church, Shepherdsville, Kentucky.

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