In summer, pastors are often zealous to hit the ground running with developmental work. But church staff health tune-ups are also crucial.
By Janetta Oni
For many in church leadership, summer is a unique opportunity to engage in newer, more restful rhythms. It’s a time to lay the groundwork for the type of leader you aspire to be and the team culture you aim to cultivate throughout the year. Leaders are often zealous to hit the ground running with developmental work. But it’s crucial to not bypass a team health tune-up.
Building trust and fostering care are essential elements in implementing any leadership strategy. According to the Greatest Needs of Pastors study from Lifeway Research, 64% of pastors affirm that relationships with other pastors are important and require their personal investment. Furthermore, 77% of pastors identify developing leaders and volunteers as a top priority.
These statistics underscore the importance of investing in team-building activities during the summer months. With that in mind, here are seven things pastors can do with their church staff and leadership teams this summer. Some of these ideas can also be implemented with volunteer leaders. Get creative in how you can encourage those serving your congregation.
1. Encourage those on staff to use all their PTO
Ministry workers can be the worst at using their paid time off. There’s often guilt associated with it. While they may have planned a family vacation for the summer, the rest of the PTO often falls by the wayside and disappears, especially if it doesn’t roll over to the next year. This is a good time for leaders to encourage their staff to use all their PTO.
Now, if that makes you panic a little bit, don’t worry. They don’t have to take it all on Sunday mornings. I had so much PTO left over I’ve taken off almost every Thursday for the rest of the summer. Thursdays tend to be lighter for me, so I decided to make it official. Using your PTO doesn’t mean you have to spend money on a vacation. It could simply be a random Tuesday you decide to stay home and enjoy brunch. This could also help your team save money on childcare as the summer months leave them scrambling to figure out what to do with their kids who are out of school.
2. Work from home
Speaking of kids, the summer provides a unique strain on families whose kids are usually at school all day. Suddenly, the added stress of childcare enters the picture, taking away from the energy of ministry. Why not let them off the hook here?
As much as you can, allow your staff to work from home when needed. Trust that they will get everything done and that office presence isn’t always necessary to fulfill that responsibility. This peace of mind will benefit both the minister and the ministry.
3. Lunch picnic days
Take a longer lunch with your staff. Have everyone pack a lunch and choose a shaded area, a picnic table, or, if you’re in the deep South and the humidity is just too much, a fun indoor location that’s not your desk. This simple and free activity can deposit joy and relationship into your staff. Summer is also a low-stakes season to try out new team rhythms that can last all year. Why not start having church staff lunch days once a month, starting this summer?
“Summer is a low-stakes season to try out new team rhythms that can last all year.” — @JanettaONI Share on X4. Team time
Remember how fun field trips were in elementary school? Let’s bring it back. Schedule some fun, offsite activities for your church staff this summer. Anything from an escape room or ax throwing to a coffee hang at a local spot downtown could be a breath of fresh air. This is another rhythm you can add in for the rest of the year.
5. Rest time after camps
The summer isn’t restful for everyone on a church staff. Typically, this is the time of year camps ramp up. Your students and children’s ministers are kicking their ministries into high gear. Not only could you show up and help out with their events if you’re able, but you should also strongly encourage them to take needed time off before and after these camps. While leaders are away at camp, buy a meal for those who have families, as their spouse is probably parenting alone in their absence.
6. Compile a list of Christian counselors
Many pastors and ministers know and agree that counseling should be an integral part of their lives. Yet, the refrain I hear most often is “I will, as soon as I get a little time to start the process.” Enter summer. Just like people have time to schedule that much-evaded dentist appointment during the summer, so too can they start the process of finding a good counselor. Leaders can initiate the conversation by doing some research and creating a list of office numbers. It’s at least a great launching pad.
“Just like people have time to schedule that much-evaded dentist appointment during the summer, so too can they start the process of finding a good counselor.” — @JanettaONI Share on X7. Plan for the next season
The fall is typically the busiest time for churches. School is back in full swing, and with stable routines back in place, families add church attendance and ministry rhythms. Summer is a great opportunity to time travel. Sit with your team and look into the future. If some have emptier plates this summer, it might be a great time to plan and tackle the to-dos of those upcoming projects. Knock out the theming for the sermon series, set the dates for the women’s studies, or even strategize for Christmas. This will be a gift that keeps giving as the leaves change and summer moves on.
Summer is a golden opportunity for church leaders to build a healthier team culture. By implementing these activities, you can foster personal growth, strengthen relationships, and prepare for the future. Remember, 77% of pastors say developing leaders and volunteers is a top priority.
“Use this summer to prepare for the harvest ahead by leaning into care and trust, a must in team development.” — @JanettaONI Share on XIt may seem like more time off is counterintuitive to this end. However, this period in between harvest times is a good time for the ground to lay fallow. Without this time of rest, the soil is weak and malnourished, making the next harvest small and the labor harder.
So, let’s use this summer to prepare for the harvest ahead by leaning into care and trust, a must in team development. Make this summer a season of health, bonding, and preparation for the good works God has prepared beforehand for us to do.
For permission to republish this article, contact Marissa Postell Sullivan.
Janetta Oni
Janetta is the creative director of The Summit Church in Durham, North Carolina.
