Love Your Ministry Staff to Life
One Church’s Innovative Approach to Preventing Burnout
Jed Roseberry, my church planter son and the dedicated rector of Restoration Anglican Church in Richardson, has implemented what many of us in ministry only wished we had thought of sooner. He has gone above and beyond for his church staff and their families, providing a thoughtful gift from the parish — a gesture I deeply admire.
Jed established an account named “Love Them to Life,” offering each staff family $250 twice a year. This grant encourages couples to take a well-deserved evening out to renew and attend to their marriages. Such a simple yet profound idea has had a significant impact. Over the years, the staff’s response has been overwhelmingly positive.
The PK Becomes the Father of PKs
Reflecting on his experiences as a teenager and a preacher’s kid (often known as a PK or Preacher’s Kid, or more fittingly in our tradition, a Priest’s Kid), Jed might have realized the value of this initiative from firsthand observations. Growing up, he saw his parents juggling the demanding responsibilities of ministry, often without the luxury of time or money for a date night. Now, with a family of his own and two PKs under his wing, Jed understands that while time is scarce, financial constraints can also put a damper on much-needed quality moments. An evening shouldn’t just be about grabbing a Double-Double at In-N-Out, and let’s not even start on the daunting cost of child care!
The “Love Them to Life” program not only addresses these challenges but also nurtures the well-being of those who serve the church tirelessly. This initiative ensures that ministry staff can enjoy personal or family enhancements such as dining, theater outings, or even spa treatments, reimbursed through a simple check request after the event.
The beauty of the program lies in its simplicity and its profound effect on morale. In a space where ministry work can often feel all-consuming, this initiative fosters a culture of appreciation and well-being.
Simon Sinek, an acclaimed organizational consultant, once said, “Customers will never love a company until the employees love it first.” This truth resonates deeply in the ministry context as well.
For the Vestry or Elder, or Board members and Treasurers diligently managing church finances, please understand this: supporting staff isn’t just a line item or overhead—it’s an investment. Jed’s foresight in recognizing the necessity of nurturing and caring for ministry staff underscores a pivotal lesson: to serve our communities, we must not forget those who serve them. “Love Them to Life” stands as a testament to this principle, inspiring us all to foster love and support within our church families.
The Rev. David Roseberry, an ordained Anglican priest with over 40 years of pastoral experience, offers leadership services to pastors, churches, and Christian writers. He is an accomplished author whose books are available on Amazon. Rev. Roseberry is the Executive Director of LeaderWorks, where his work and resources can be found.
