Our staff are special! They have committed their lives to serving the Lord, laying aside potential lucrative careers and the comforts the world would offer. As we work beside them day after day, it is easy to forget just how special they are or to show our appreciation for their sacrifice, the special personality and perspectives they bring to the team, and their unique skills and spiritual gifts. Why not make the month of July 'Staff Appreciation Month?' Below are 10 practical ways to show your staff how much you value them and their contribution to your team. (Thanks, Patricia Biasi of YWAM Bulawayo, for your ideas!)

1. As leaders, offer to do staff clean up duty for staff members one day

2. Prepare a special breakfast for a different staff member each day

3. Make a special card for each staff with a special Scripture verse

4. Offer an evening of babysitting for a staff couple so they can have an evening out

5. Arrange for staff members to have an individual meal with the base leader(s)

6. Organize a picnic for a ministry team as a thank you for their diligence and commitment

7. Offer to do a staff member's laundry for a day

8. Give each staff a voucher that allows them a morning or an afternoon off!

9. One Friday morning announce the afternoon off or an afternoon surprise outing

10. Surprise everyone with a thank you party, inclusive of games, skits and treats.

By Jane and Randy Rhoades