Ministry assistants (church secretaries) are vital to the work of you church, your ministry, and to the Kingdom of God. These eight tips will make Administrative Professionals Day extra-special for the ministry assistants on your church staff.
Lunch - You and your spouse or other key leader may treat your ministry assistant to lunch at a special restaurant.
Flowers - A fresh bouquet, live plant, balloon bouquet, fruit basket, or tin of gourmet cookies sent on behalf of your church family will demonstrate your appreciation to your ministry assistant and to every office visitor.
Gift certificate - Consider a gift certificate to a Lifeway Christian Store, other Christian bookstore, local department store, or favorite restaurant.
Public recognition - Recognize your ministry assistants before your church family with a notice in the newsletter, bulletin, and with a word of appreciation during worship services. You may wish to encourage your church family to remember this unsung office hero with cards, home-baked goodies, flowers, and notes of appreciation.
Time off - Arrange for volunteers to substitute in the office, and let your ministry assistant spend a free day relaxing, pampering, or spending time with family.
Personal note or greeting card - A personal word of appreciation written in a card or on your stationery provides the personal touch of well-chosen words of thanks.
Strength bombardment - During your weekly staff meeting, ask each person on your staff to affirm the positive characteristics they appreciate in the ministry assistant.
Surprise luncheon - Consider a surprise luncheon with homemade dishes brought to the office by members and friends.
Observing Administrative Professional’s Day can be as elaborate or as simple as you choose. The primary ingredient is genuine appreciation. Most ministry assistants enjoy recognition on this special day, but will also treasure a steady stream of spontaneous appreciation throughout the year.
Consider other occasions for letting your ministry assistants know you notice their important contribution.
Birthdays
Church anniversaries
Christmas
After putting in extra hours to meet a deadline
After mastering a new skill
After exceptionally-executing a project
A verbal pat on the back, compensatory time off, support for a merit raise, and daily common courtesies are intangible rewards that speak volumes of appreciation.
Note: Administrative Professionals Week® is always the last full week of April, with Wednesday of that week being designated Administrative Professionals Day.