8 Inexpensive Ways To Build Staff Culture This Fall

By: Vanderbloemen

Pumpkins - building staff culture in the fall season



As the temperatures start to get cooler, many are taking time out of their busy schedule to participate in favorite fall pastimes. Here are eight inexpensive ways to use some of these favorite fall activities to build your church staff culture.

1. Serve apple cider at your next staff meeting.

Hot or cold, apple cider tastes like fall in a cup. You can surprise everyone and serve apple cider at your next church staff meeting for all to enjoy.

2. Organize a trip to the pumpkin patch or apple orchard.  

Invite members of your church staff and their family to enjoy a picturesque fall day together at a pumpkin patch or apple orchard. Not only does this give your staff time to interact with each other outside the office, it also gives them space to create new memories with their families. If the pumpkin patch or apple orchard is out of your budget, perhaps a family from your church that owns a farm would allow you to have a bonfire on their property. You can roast s'mores and enjoy a relaxed evening as coworkers and friends.

3. Light a fall-scented candle.

Have you noticed that there are specific fall “smells” that conjure up favorite autumn memories? Stores are full of candles that smell like pumpkin, apples, and cinnamon as fall favorites. Light a fall-scented candle in your office and and let everyone enjoy the smell of autumn. (Be sure to be sensitive if you have those on your staff with allergies or asthma who may be overwhelmed with the scents).  

4. Organize a pie baking contest.

Is there anything better than pumpkin pie? Maybe an apple pie! Invite members of your church staff to make their favorite pie or fall dessert, bring it to work, and share it at a pie party. Be sure to provide the whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. During the party, your staff can vote on their favorite pie. You can arrange for a coveted prize or a blue ribbon for bragging rights.

5. Go to a local high school or college football game.

Invite your staff and their family to tailgate together and then attend a football game. Not only are you building fun staff culture, you are also supporting your local community. Check with your church’s Student Pastor to see what teens from your church play on the football team and cheer especially loud for them!

6. Invite staff to bring their children in their costumes.

Nothing is as cute as the sight of little kids dressed up as their favorite princess, Biblical character, or sports hero. Invite your staff members to bring their kids to work one day, dressed up in their costumes, for a Trick or Treat parade. As a bonus, you can put together goodie bags with stickers and small treats for the children.

Also, consider allowing parents of small children to leave work early on October 31st so they can get home and take their little ones Trick or Treating while it is still light outside. This is not only a great way for your staff to spend time with their family, it’s also a great way for members of your staff to connect with their neighbors and members of their community.

7. Make a thankfulness tree.

When we get wrapped up in the busy-ness of ministry, we can forget all we have to be thankful for.Tweet: When we get wrapped up in the busyness of ministry we can forget what we have to be thankful for. https://ctt.ec/emh0a+ @VanderbloemenSG

Encourage your staff to take a few moments of their day to remember how richly God has blessed them. Write those down and then add them as leaves to a "thankfulness tree." Your staff can write down the big and small things for which they are thankful, and in so doing, they are encouraging each other and bringing glory to God.

8. Email a gratitude verse a day for the month of November.

Sometimes, we are confused about God’s will for our life. How seldom we remember that we are told in the Bible that it’s God’s will for us to give thanks at all times and in all situations. Each day in November, email your church staff a Bible verse about giving thanks. You can write a short devotional with each verse or just allow the verse to stand on its own. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. (Psalm 9:1)
  • Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
  • Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. (1 Chronicles 16:34)

What are your favorite fall traditions as a church staff?

If you liked this, you'll also enjoy 7 Ways To Tell Your Staff You're Thankful For Them This Thanksgiving