How gratitude shapes our ministry far beyond the holiday.
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”— Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
Saying thank you is great. Not being a turkey is better.
What you don’t say matters.
As leaders, we spend a lot of time thanking donors, volunteers, board members, staff, and partners who pour themselves out day after day. Giving thanks to others is our work, and it’s essential.
But be careful to thoroughly examine how you express gratitude, who you might be overlooking when saying thanks and, most importantly, how you treat people in between your thank-yous.
Your words, your ways, your actions, and even intentions will affect those you lead. Make it a point to make your impact a positive one.
Being a jerk will erase both big and small thank-yous.
Some authors say we should counter every negative thing we say or think with seven positive statements. If you act like a jerk most days, your gratitude can look ugly. It may even cause bitterness.
It might be difficult to shift that balance. But gratitude—even late in coming or given in small doses—can go a long way.
The difference between grateful words and a grateful life.
A sincere thank-you is timely and encouraging. It can be as simple as a quick email or text. Or a pop-in visit and “thank you.”
I like to drop into an office and say, “I see you’re doing good work!” It takes only seconds, but can be the difference between people feeling seen or overlooked.
Don’t be the turkey. Do the pop-In.
Gratitude can become hollow at best or an insult at worst when our day-to-day interactions convey something very different. Like impatience, indifference, or criticism that tears down others’ efforts.
“Encourage one another and build each other up.” —1 Thessalonians 5:11
We are encouraged by God throughout Scripture to encourage others. In Hebrews, we are told to encourage people every day. So:
Give a friendly smile.
Find something to say thank you for.
Milestones are the minimum.
Milestones and work anniversaries deserve recognition. They remind people that their labor matters. This is the minimum.
Encourage people with a surprise. Write down and remember out loud other more personal staff milestones.
Acknowledge good work done in hard seasons. Show appreciation for the times when someone kept showing up despite personal struggle or organizational pressure.
See the struggle and champion the person. Remind them:
- You are seen.
- Your perseverance matters.
- Your faithfulness is not forgotten.
For many leaders and staff, that is more than oxygen. It is a lifeline.
Next Thanksgiving: Don’t be the turkey.
Every year at Thanksgiving, we cook the turkey.
If you thank people and encourage those deserving, you won’t get cooked; you will be thanked.
Thanksgiving gives us the chance to reset our posture—with the Lord and with our teams. Choose ongoing gratitude. Let it become a habit and a joy.
Begin today:
Find time to walk around today, look people in the eye, and smile.
Drop a card.
Do a pop-in.
Most of all, recognize people in their efforts to do good. And do it often.
Here’s a simple way to begin:
Your “Thanksgiving Turkey Test”
Have you done some of the following?
- Thanked three people specifically for a contribution that mattered this year.
- Encouraged one person privately whose work has been difficult and unseen.
- Asked one question that lifts the load:
- “What would make your work lighter or more joyful right now?”
- Prayed for and encouraged your teammates
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today.’” —Hebrews 3:13
Don’t be the Turkey this Thanksgiving. Give thanks!
Gratitude is transformational.
When you refuse to be a turkey, you will find others will also refuse that role. Together, teams that encourage, honor, and love each other even in the heat of battle cannot be stopped. They thrive, win, and find joy in the midst of the worthwhile work they’re doing.