The Practice of Appreciation

The Bible is full of commands and examples of ways to show appreciation to those who are under our care (I Cor. 1:4; Phil. 4:8; Rom. 1:8; Col.4:2). In fact, the dynamics of church life are meant to be filled with meaningful expressions of appreciation in every season of life and ministry (Heb. 13:17; I Thess. 1:2, 5:11; I Tim. 2:1-15). The craft of appreciation that is not just a singular event but an embedded part of church culture is developed and championed most effectively by the church’s senior leadership.

It is important to recognize that the church staff is a unique part of the church community.

It requires thoughtful consideration to show effective appreciation for ongoing morale and joy in the work. The church staff is a gifted group whom God calls to a vocation that seeks to mobilize all the church’s ministries that the congregation experiences and enjoys. They are the ones who know how many pizzas to buy for the youth event, bring benevolence to a family in need, develop a bible study curriculum, and lock the doors on a Wednesday night.

It is important to cultivate a culture of appreciation that expresses itself in meaningful ways – ways in which the staff individually and collectively advances the mission and purpose of the church. This is not to say that only church staff should be appreciated because we know God calls everyone to serve, and there are countless examples of volunteers who mobilize ministry. However, there is a unique place the church staff plays in the overall health of the church, and with it comes some essential reasons and practical expressions to show appreciation that matters.

Recognizing

Those who serve on church staff desire to be a part of something meaningful.

When we set aside time to communicate appreciation, it recognizes value.

Those who serve on church staff are often never seen for the countless hours it takes to mobilize ministry. Behind the moments of visibility are untold investments of time and personal sacrifice. To take the time to communicate appreciation draws attention to those who could otherwise go unnoticed. The church staff did not sign up to be recognized, but the act of appreciation focuses on the contributions that create the mosaic of effective ministry that benefits everyone. There is an inherent desire for those serving in church ministry to be useful and effective.

Valuing

When we appreciate our church staff, it is a visible recognition of our common partnership in gospel ministry. The pastor has a more visible and direct expression of gospel ministry, while within the staff ministry, it may not be as visible. This can bring a sense of “second-class citizens” to the place of the staff in the ministries of the church.

To appreciate brings the opportunity to communicate the valuable and visible partnership we share in gospel ministry. At times, those working diligently might not see or experience the effect of their work. Thoughtful appreciation affirms the worker’s value while giving ultimate gratitude to the Lord for effective gospel work. This is a blessing to the individual and to all who share in the hope of the effectiveness of their work.

What practical ways can senior leadership communicate meaningful appreciation to the church staff and promote healthy gospel ministry? The following are a few helpful suggestions.  

Celebrations

Set aside time in your regular staff meetings and annual celebrations to appreciate members of the church staff. This could be birthdays, work anniversaries, or the completion of major ministry events or initiatives. The moment could include a card signed by senior leadership with words of specific encouragement and affirmation and a gift card to a place they like. In addition, create certificates of appreciation or awards that staff could display in their office or work area that communicate levels of valued achievement and appreciation. These might seem like trivial or office-type rituals, but I have found people cherish these moments and mementos and refer back to them fondly.

Experiences

Everyone likes a day away filled with new, fun experiences. Outings designed to appreciate the staff are a creative way to build relationships and team dynamics and communicate care and appreciation. These activities could be as simple as a day hike with a catered picnic and group photo or a day at a theme park. Although there is no gift they can take home or display in the office, they will rehearse the memories and stories in the lunchroom for years to come.

Family Times

It is not just the church staff that deserves appreciation, but their immediate family. Spouses and kids often relinquish time and attention to support the staff member in mobilizing ministry. They will always appreciate moments of blessing and fun that incorporate their families. This could be a park day with food and bounce houses for the kids, an overnight camping trip, or attending a local concert in the park.

Creating family memories together communicates that senior leadership appreciates the staff’s work and those who support them.

If those types of activities are cost-prohibitive or too complex because of the stages of life of those families on your staff, consider closing the church offices with a paid day off for an extended weekend so they can enjoy their families in a way that works best for them.

I appreciate holidays and church calendars that show appreciation to those who labor alongside us for gospel ministry. This takes effort, design, and thoughtful consideration, but no one else on the staff can initiate and organize those moments better than the senior leadership. So, take the time to consider how to embed regular and meaningful expressions of appreciation to your church staff. It is the best investment of your time to cultivate a culture of appreciation that will reverberate into every area of the church. Those who feel appreciated do not keep it to themselves but share their appreciation with those under their care. 

©2024 Joe Keller. Used with permission.