LEAven Blog
Recognition: A Powerful Encouragement in Ministry
The principal looked up from his desk in his office. There was a teacher standing in front of him, paused— with a mixed look of excitement, joy, and emotion. “How are you, Julie? How long have you been standing there?”
She did not say a word, but silently handed an envelope to him. He gingerly accepted it, opened it, and then the moment became emotional as he read the words, “It happened! I just received the call that I have won the award for 2022! Thank you for believing in me!” The tears began to flow, and we had to share a hug of joy. A brief discussion ensued, as we reviewed together that she had been nominated for this award many times. God’s timing, for sure. Even though there may have been some disappointment, we just thanked God together that people who knew her as an incredible teacher took the time and effort to fill out the nomination for the sake of placing recognition and celebration into her midst. Shouldn’t we all be considering how recognition can empower church workers in their lives of service?
Recognition should be both meaningful and timely. Not everyone understands the importance of celebrating colleagues. We all can fall into the trap of the “tyranny of the urgent,” whereby we do not stop to reflect or act upon the most important things— namely, people. The busyness of the world tends to take over, and at times we never get to well-intentioned ways to show gratitude for a job well done. It is true that we do not have to make recognition a priority, but one could argue that not doing may cause the organizational culture to suffer. A steep price may need to be paid. Turnover can result. A lack of trust can start to appear. Employee performance can suffer. We dare say it, but such neglect can happen to the ministry’s most effective servants.
Is there any instruction from holy writ? Consider these verses that lend context to how such a topic can empower or discourage us in our Lutheran schools:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope”—Romans 15:13 ESV
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change”— James 1:17 ESV
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men”— Colossians 3:23 ESV.
As we consider these verses, they speak to His people with words of hope, joy, peace, believing, and the power of the Holy Spirit—in Romans. In James 1:17, the writer gives the credit for who we are and Whose we are to God alone. And in Paul’s letter to the Colossians, the encouragement is there for all church workers to honor God in every part of their lives.
As one looks to practical applications, there are many ways for recognition to be both simple and profound. The key is to be consistent and deliberate, so it becomes part of the culture. Do not depend on just one person to “lead the cheer” but rather teach one another the inexpressible meaning of being part of a team that celebrates God’s people. It is fun, not that difficult, new opportunities arise every day, and… this all-important recognition tends to move outside the walls, and it begins to market your people and your ministry.
Deliberate actions:
- Be a “Bucketfiller” school
Place buckets in strategic areas like the faculty workroom, school office, or the lobby. Model how to place notes, cards, and even little surprises in these buckets. Bring the contents to devotions and make it part of your routine to pull out any items after the then hand them off or get them to the intended person. If the item placed in the bucket is meant to be read aloud, that is even all the more special.
- The administrator places narrative in his newsletter or report to the school board and voters’ assembly
For the church leadership and the congregation to be able to read about those who are employed at the church in such meaningful ways, it allows them to contemplate and pray for those who serve.
- Sharing in chapel or in worship
Bring someone up to the front and recognize them or just mention their name. This is a distinct way to share them meaningfully.
- Encouraging school or church staff members to write, speak, or present.
Prompt those you work to go beyond the normal routine of their workday and to author an article, speak in front of a group, or present on a topic that will bless others. LEA presents many such opportunities.
- A simple but meaningful person-to-person conversation
Just stop by and share a meaningful compliment, on the spot!
- Praying with them and saying aloud the blessings of the relationship.
There is no better way than to build a relationship with a colleague than to be in pray. Create an all-staff prayer list that can be distributed to the staff, to school families, and to the congregation or Recognized Service Organization.
Looking to the research, recognition is the single greatest driver of positive organizational culture. Authentic leaders place recognizing their people at the very top of their priority list. Consistency is the key. To use a metaphor, use recognition as “the fuel that lights a fire”— of joyful ministry and of productive work in the kingdom. Watch how people and organizational change moves to the positive. You will see more smiles and the most excellent, engaged employees. You can do this. Do it today!
