7 Tips to Help Your Church Staff Avoid Burnout This Holiday Season

Is it just me, or have things really started to speed up in church ministry land? Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, Christmas services are right around the corner, and… you’re probably beginning to feel the weight of it all. 

Between volunteer scheduling, event planning, sermon preparation, and community outreach efforts, the end-of-year ministry hustle can be both exhilarating and exhausting. The pressure to ensure everything runs smoothly, combined with the desire to meet the spiritual needs of your congregation, can make for a whirlwind of emotions and tasks.

But here’s the good news: You and your church staff don’t need to experience holiday burnout this year! With a little strategy and a lot of grace, your team can emerge from this season stronger than ever! 

7 Tips to Help Your Church Staff Thrive This Holiday Season

#1 Have Regular Check-Ins

As the days get shorter and the task list gets longer, it can be easy to lose sight of individual needs and well-being. Regular check-ins, whether weekly or biweekly, can make a world of difference. These don't need to be formal meetings—just a simple "How are you doing?" or "Do you need help with anything?" can go a long way in fostering a culture of care. 

If you want to take a more intentional approach, you can also implement 1-on-1 meetings between staff and supervisors throughout the holiday season. Adding another meeting to the calendar may sound overwhelming, but the benefits can outweigh the time cost. Take time to check in, pray with each other, and make sure that no one feels left behind.

#2 Lean into Gratitude

It may seem cliché to list a gratitude tip this close to Thanksgiving, but the reality is that gratitude can do wonders for your church staff’s morale during the holiday season. Say thank you often, and say thank you sincerely. When things get busy, taking a moment to recognize and express gratitude for someone's effort — no matter how small — can make them light up like a Christmas tree. (I know it sounds a little cheesy, but you get the point.) 

Remember, the little gestures of gratitude often resonate the most (think thank you notes, coffee gift cards, etc). When your staff feels valued and acknowledged, they are more likely to invest themselves wholeheartedly into their roles, making the holiday season more meaningful for everyone involved. 

#3 Pay Attention to Early Signs of Burnout

It's possible that some members of your church staff were feeling tired or burnt out prior to the holiday season, so the busy schedule may hit them harder than others. Be vigilant and pay attention to the signs: irritability, diminished passion, or withdrawal from team activities are a few examples. 

Then, rather than jumping into “fix-it” mode or making team members feel guilty for their lack of participation, take time to talk to them and ask them how you can offer support. Brainstorm ways you can redistribute or eliminate responsibilities during this season, and remember that people are more important than productivity! When it comes to working on a team, we all have to have each other’s back sometimes – especially when it comes to the holidays. 

#4 Get in a V Formation

Speaking of teams, there’s almost no better example of solid teamwork than geese flying in a V formation. When geese fly together, they rotate the lead position because the bird at the front expends the most energy. As that leading goose gets tired, it moves to the back, allowing another to take its place at the front. This rotating leadership ensures that no single goose is overly fatigued and that the flock can travel longer distances together.

In the same vein, your church staff can benefit immensely from this principle during the bustling holiday season. Recognizing that not every team member will have the same energy levels or capacity at all times, it's wise to rotate responsibilities and let people take turns leading the charge on different projects. This not only ensures a fair distribution of responsibility but also taps into the fresh energy and perspectives of different team members. 

By taking turns leading, staff who might be feeling more refreshed or invigorated can step up, allowing others to recharge. This approach ensures sustainability, fosters mutual respect, and leverages the collective strength of the team. Embracing the geese's strategy can lead to a more harmonious and resilient church staff during even the most demanding times.

#5 Communicate Clearly About Holiday Serving Expectations

The holidays can be a tricky time for ministry leaders who desire to serve their church but also want to spend time with their families. This can create an especially challenging dynamic for your church staff if certain staff members fly to other states for holiday celebrations. With so much going on during the holiday season, it's imperative to set clear expectations for staff roles and responsibilities. Misunderstandings or assumptions can lead to unnecessary stress or even double bookings. Make sure all roles, timings, and specific duties are communicated well in advance.

Consider having a dedicated meeting or a centralized digital calendar where holiday events and responsibilities are outlined, and encourage questions and discussions during staff meetings. Transparency will not only ease the process but also empower your team members to plan effectively. Additionally, by knowing the game plan in advance, staff members can better prepare mentally, spiritually, and logistically for what's ahead.

#6 Give Staff a Break to Look Forward To

I have worked on three church staff teams, and they have all done a stellar job as rewarding hard work during the Christmas season. Often, I’ve been granted a full week off, usually between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. While this specific schedule isn't feasible every year due to the varying position of Sundays, the underlying principle of granting time off post-holidays remains a valuable practice.

Maybe this means a few days off, a team-building retreat, or even just a fun staff lunch to break the routine. Whatever the format, the key is to provide a break from the constant go-go-go. When your team knows there's a moment of relaxation on the horizon, they're likely to approach their tasks with more enthusiasm and endurance. 

#7 Keep it Fun!

The holidays are supposed to be a time of celebration, joy, and togetherness! While there's undoubtedly a lot to do, it's equally important to take moments to celebrate. Whether it's celebrating a job well done, a successful event, or a specific holiday, keeping it fun and celebratory can keep morale high.

This could be as simple as a cocoa break or as extravagant as a fancy holiday-themed party. A spontaneous caroling session around the office, an ugly sweater contest, or even a festive potluck lunch can inject joy into an otherwise packed schedule. The idea is to balance moments of lightness and celebration with the hustle, reminding everyone that ministry is about so much more than tasks!

Get Holiday Support from Breeze!

Are you looking for a way to streamline your operations and communication so that you can eliminate burnout on your church staff? Breeze offers an easy-to-use church management software that will help you manage everything from service planning to even sign-ups to integrated giving. Check out our features page to learn more!