Why You Should Write Appreciation Messages to Your Church Family

Does the following scenario sound familiar?

A new person comes to your church, encounters God’s love for the first time, and joins a Bible study. Suddenly, everyone in your community is heavily invested in this new person. They feel loved, appreciated, and valued. They begin to serve in your church’s children’s ministry, tithe, and lead a small group study.

But as time goes on, the now-church member begins to receive fewer explicit words of encouragement and thanks. He or she is still loved, valued, and appreciated, but there isn’t a system set up to communicate this truth.

That’s where appreciation messages come in.

Expressing sincere gratitude through appreciation messages for the support of church members is not merely a pleasant gesture; it's a reflection of the love of God working through your church community. Whether it's a simple thank you card for tithing or a thoughtful note to acknowledge the work of a volunteer, these messages reinforce the single important truth that every person is loved and seen!

In the following article, we’ll talk about what a church appreciation message is and how you can write tailored messages for different sectors of your community. Finally, we’ll take a look at technology that can help you set up a process for creating and delivering appreciation messages in a regular and timely fashion.

Let’s get started!

What is a Church Appreciation Message?

A church appreciation message is a personalized thank you letter that conveys heartfelt thanks to individuals for their commitment and service to the church community. It's a tangible expression of gratitude for their financial support, involvement in church events, and dedication to the congregation. 

How to Craft a Church Appreciation Message

Running a church is hard work, and many church leaders and administrators don’t have a ton of extra time to spend on writing the perfect thank-you message.

Thankfully, with the right tips on how to (and how not to) write an effective note to your members, donors, and volunteers, you can write a great appreciation message…even if you’re not a natural-born writer.

5 Tips for Writing a Great Church Appreciation Message

1. Be Personal and Specific: Tailor your message to the individual or group, mentioning specific contributions or qualities that make their involvement special. If you’re writing a message to volunteers, this could be as simple as saying “Thank you for all the time and hard work you generously give to our church family. Without you, we would not be able to accomplish our mission of caring for others with the love and compassion of Jesus!”
2. Express Sincerity: Let your genuine gratitude shine through your words. Avoid generic phrases that could apply to anyone. Adding an extra note on how their time, service, and financial contributions make a specific impact can be a great way to do this. For example, you could say, “Your financial donation of $X helped us renovate our nursery and care better for our littlest church members.”
3. Include Biblical References: If appropriate, weave in scripture that resonates with the act of giving or serving, reinforcing the spiritual significance of their contributions. One excellent scripture on the power of giving is in the book of Acts: "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:35)
4. Keep it Positive: Focus on the positive impact of their involvement. Even if there are areas for improvement, an appreciation message is not the place to mention these. Do mention their loyal commitment to a specific ministry. Don’t mention their habitual tardiness to team meetings!
5. End on a Hopeful Note: Conclude your message with blessings, prayers, or a hope-filled scripture. If relevant, include a personal note about the recipient.

What NOT To Say in a Church Appreciation Message

Here are a few things to avoid in a church appreciation message.

• Avoid Comparisons: Don't compare the contributions of one member to another. Appreciation should feel inclusive, not competitive.
• Skip the Clichés: Steer clear of overused phrases that can dilute the sincerity of your message.
• Don't Mix Messages: Keep your appreciation message focused on gratitude. It's not the time to ask for more donations or help.
• Avoid Negativity: Even if there have been challenges, an appreciation message should highlight positive contributions, not dwell on past issues

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Church Appreciation Message Templates

Whether your church culture is more high church or you’re more of a casual crew, here are two different styles of church appreciation messages for donors, church members, and volunteers.

Church Appreciation Message for Donors - Formal

Dear [Donor's Name],

In this family of faith, your financial support stands as a pillar of stewardship that strengthens us all. Your generous gift, a reflection of Christ's love, empowers our church's outreach and fuels the spiritual growth of our community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering commitment. May the love of God grace your life as abundantly as your giving has graced our church.

With love,

[Church Name]

Church Appreciation Message for Donors - Informal

Dear [Donor's Name],

Thank you so much for your donation. Your help is a big support to our church family and helps us do more good things. Your kindness shows the love of Christ and helps our church grow stronger. We are very thankful for your steady support. May God's love fill your life just as your generosity has helped our church.

With love,

[Church Name]

Church Appreciation Message for Church Members - Formal

Dear [Member's Name],

Your journey with us is a testament to the strength and love found in our church family. The sincere gratitude we feel for your ongoing support through tithes, participation in church events, and stewardship cannot be overstated. Thank you for being such an integral part of our church; may God continue to bless you and your loved ones.

With Christ's love,

Church Pastor's Name]

Church Appreciation Message for Church Members - Informal

Dear [Member's Name],

Thank you for being a part of our church. Your support, whether it's through donations, joining in events, or helping out, means a lot to us. We really appreciate everything you do. We hope God blesses you and your family.

With Christ's love,

[Church Pastor's Name]

Church Appreciation Message for Volunteers - Formal

Dear [Volunteer's Name],

In the many hands that work behind the scenes, your efforts shine brightly as a beacon of selfless service. Your dedication and hard work as a volunteer have not gone unnoticed. You bring to life the words of Christ, serving others with a joyful heart and willing hands. Your contributions have made a significant impact, and we are so grateful for the love and energy you pour into our church community. Thank you for being a remarkable example of faith in action.

With sincere appreciation,

[Your Church Name]

Church Appreciation Message for Volunteers - Informal

Dear [Volunteer's Name],

Thank you for all the hard work you do for our church. Your kindness and effort really stand out. You help others with a happy heart, just like Jesus taught us. Your work makes a big difference, and we are so thankful for everything you do. You show what it means to live by faith.

Thank you so much,

[Your Church Name]

Craft & Send Church Appreciation Messages with Breeze

Once you’ve written your appreciation message, you’ll need a way to deliver it to the right recipient or audience.

Breeze is an easy-to-use church management system that can help you stay organized and efficient with all your church communications–including appreciation messages. With a built-in email editor and contact database all on the same tool, Breeze makes it simple to build and send church appreciation messages via email (or text!)

Learn more about Breeze here.