With Easter right around the corner, your church staff is likely working overtime to prepare for such an important service. Here are nine ways to show your appreciation for the long hours and hard work that your church staff is putting in during this busy season.
A proper Thank You note takes moments to write but the impact lasts exponentially longer. Say “thank you” in writing to members of your staff. Bonus: include a $5 gift card.
Your church staff gives themselves fully to the church during the Easter season, 12-18 hour days are not unheard of. Why not give staff members who go above and beyond the call of duty an extra day or two of vacation to be used at any point during the year? Bonus: It doesn’t really cost you anything.
“If Mama ain’t happy, nobody is happy.” Not only do church staff members sacrifice during busy seasons – their spouses and families do as well. Why not send flowers or restaurant gift cards addressed to the spouse of a staff member with a note saying “Thank You?” A simple recognition of their sacrifice will go a long way to making them, and subsequently your staff member, happy.
Provide lunch or dinner if you know that employees will be working during mealtime. If there isn’t room in the budget for meals for your staff, ask several volunteers if they would be willing to provide lunch. I think you will be surprised at how generous your church will be when they learn that the staff is working 60-70 hours a week. Bonus: Eat with them!
In all likelihood, your entire staff is working extra hours, leaving little or no time for personal errands.Solicit a volunteer to act as an errand runner for your staff for the week before Easter. Ask your staff to give you their shopping list, dry cleaning to drop off, or other errands that need to get done. See how happy members of your church staff will be when they didn’t have to run to Target after work to pick up Easter candy or go to the grocery store to pick up ingredients for Easter Dinner.
Provide healthy snacks for your staff during busy season. Fruit, crackers and cheese, pretzels and other low-fat snacks provide great fuel for your staff to make it through those long days! Bonus: Borrow or buy a quality blender and provide fixings for smoothies. Frozen strawberries, pineapples, bananas and yogurt make a healthy and protein filled afternoon snack!
If you are lucky enough to live in a part of the country that is enjoying beautiful Spring weather, set up chairs and hold your weekly meeting outside. Spending time outside is shown to reduce blood pressure – a much needed reduction the days leading up to Easter!
If you see your production team working in your sanctuary or your Children’s Ministry Staff putting together special Easter packages, stop by and lend a hand! As their leader they will be encouraged that you care enough to serve them.
Share an encouraging Bible verse or hope-filled thought with your staff first thing in the morning. During busy seasons, your church staff will go to bed exhausted and wake up just as tired – encouragement from the Word is vital fuel when you are running on flames.
What do you do to show your church staff appreciation during this busy season?
If you liked this, then you'll also like, 10 Step Checklist For Your Easter Service Preparation.