My wife and I talk about the effect of common courtesy in our life and especially our life in the church. Manners are mostly gone by the board. I’m talking about a simple Thank You when someone does something for you. Have you ever asked yourself how much of an impact a Thank You has on relationships that affect your ministry as a church worker? In many ways I believe that this simple act, a Thank You, will help you have more joy and delight in your work, even success, than pushing people around or arguing with them or telling them to respect your view because you are a church worker.This is the first in a series on retention of church workers. Joyful and happy church workers are well and serve well. In light of that, could your encouragement in a life of service actually begin with you, and begin with handwritten notes of thanks or even a thank-you email?
I know a Lutheran pastor who writes a Thank You at every opportunity. For example, each time he is invited to lunch or dinner, or to a member’s home, or meets with a member in their place of employment or business, he writes a Thank You note expressing appreciation for the person’s time, their hospitality, their conversation, and any highlight of their relational visit. Make the note brief and meaningful. A telephone call is also a salutary exchange. Even a well worded email saying Thanks can be a stand-out in that person’s life.
As you work to set a climate of Thanks in the congregation, the spirit is catching. A lifestyle of Thanks can be contagious. It will inspire people over time to thank you, to encourage you, to tell you how important you and your work are to their lives of service in Christ’s church.
Manners practiced in a congregation, especially a Thank You, reveal a lot about how persons will treat people outside the congregation, too. This sets the stage for being the receptive church that visitors see when they come to hear the preaching of God’s Word.
Retention begins with you. Strengthen your relationship with others. A Thank You helps motivate and reinforce the other person to engage themselves in helpful behavior, and it sends a message about you, i.e., the quality of your character, the love for one another that exemplifies a congregation living in the image of Christ.
Why do you not say thanks or express your appreciation? Do you just want others to appreciate you? Do you expect others to hand you respect and support your ministry because you are a called church worker? Maybe you think you’re too busy? Does neglecting saying Thank You to others reflect on your selfishness or does it tell others that you think they should be doing these things for you and your family?
My friends, recognition is an important value, both to you and to other people. If this value is not important, people will perceive appreciation and recognition of others as of little value in the life of the church. Paul wrote: "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
The best thing you can do to start thanking others is to use a handwritten note of thanks
and send it in the mail. It’s so rare today that it really stands out. A Thank You builts up people. And do it promptly; timing is important.So don't underestimate the power of saying thank you. I even have a file called Uppers filed with notes from congregation members and former students. I rarely re-read them, but knowing that they’re there is enough. Having manners and saying thank-you actually does make a difference to your own personal joy, a supportive community, fulfillment in your calling, and to the lives of others around you. Do more, not less, with thank you letters and notes. And with that, thank you for reading this post and sending me your thoughts.
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I continue that in my own ministry and in turn encourage everyone in other congregations to thank their pastors. It really does bring a "boost."
I wasn't always big on such notes. At the sem, the way this practice was portrayed left a bad taste in my mouth; all law, no gospel. It took years in ministry and genuine gratitude building in my heart for me to take up the pen willingly. But I do now, and find myself blessed by it.
Why write "Thank You" notes? Not because you should to avoid offense, but because you can, to receive blessing.
God Bless,
Pastor Greg Hafeman
Trinity - Greeley, CO
970-396-4072
However, I do find myself not writing "thank you" cards nearly as often as I say it. It is just as important, if not more, to write a note of appreciation to those serving the Lord in various vocations in the congregation. The handwritten card can be kept and looked at over and over again.
Soooo...I thank you Dean for the work you have done over the years in serving the Lord and your work of service that you continue to do today.
Glory be to our merciful and gracious God for His precious workers and servants.
Steve