Staff meetings are an essential part of church operations, they help teams stay aligned, informed, and connected. But how do we make these meetings more than just informational briefings? How do we foster a culture of collaboration, spiritual growth, and genuine engagement within our teams?

In this blog, we explore creative and intentional ways to transform your staff meetings from routine check-ins into vibrant, cultural experiences that encourage connection and team-building.

1. Start with Relational and Devotional Time

Opening your staff meetings with moments of personal connection can set the tone for a positive and meaningful gathering. Many churches have found success by integrating relational or devotional segments at the start of the meeting.

Here’s an example shared by a church leader:

“We have a relational/devotional time at the beginning of each meeting where we take turns asking a question to get to know one another and how God is working in our lives. We’re a small staff who meets weekly and we try to keep that part to 15 minutes.”

This approach helps break the ice, allowing team members to share personal experiences and spiritual insights. Questions can range from light-hearted topics ("What’s your favorite book of the Bible and why?") to more reflective questions ("How has God been moving in your life this week?").

2. Celebrations, Praise Reports, and Acknowledgments

Celebrating wins—big or small—can boost morale and highlight the impact of the team’s collective efforts. Dedicate time to share praise reports, team member achievements, and church milestones.

Consider this example:

“We do celebrations, issues, and visitors/people to follow up with as a group. While the rest of the meeting can sometimes be too long and not always fun, I do think doing these things has helped us bond and focus on what’s going on in the church as a team.”

Encouraging an atmosphere of gratitude and recognition can help keep spirits high and remind your staff why their work matters.

3. Share "God Moments"

Opening the floor for team members to share how they’ve seen God move in their lives or within the church fosters a culture of spiritual reflection and gratitude.

One church staff shared their method:

“We always open with, ‘How have you seen God move in the last week?’ Then pastoral staff alternate doing a short devotion, we take prayer requests, and then pray together. After that, it’s business.”

These moments help everyone stay grounded in the mission of the church and align their work with God’s purpose.

4. Rotating Leadership and Involvement

To keep meetings engaging, consider rotating who leads the devotional time or discussion. This approach not only shares responsibility but also allows different perspectives to be heard.

Encourage different team members to present a short devotional, share scripture, or lead a prayer. This can help the team bond, grow in their faith, and appreciate each other's unique spiritual journeys.

5. Encourage Conversations and Crafted Moments

Incorporating crafted moments can enhance engagement by breaking the monotony of routine meetings. For example:

• Icebreaker Questions: Start with a thought-provoking or fun question to spark conversation.

• Storytelling Time: Dedicate a few minutes for team members to share impactful stories from recent ministry work.

• Vision Casting: Regularly revisit the church’s mission and vision, and discuss how current projects tie into the bigger picture.

6. Set Boundaries to Maintain Focus

While relational and devotional segments are essential, it’s important to manage time effectively. Aim for a balance between connection and productivity by:

• Keeping the relational/devotional time within a set timeframe (e.g., 10-15 minutes).

• Structuring the agenda to prioritize discussions and decisions.

• Ending meetings with action points and clear next steps.

Transforming staff meetings from purely informational to cultural experiences takes intentional planning and consistency. By creating a space where your team can connect on a personal and spiritual level, you build stronger bonds and cultivate a shared sense of purpose.

If you’re considering making this shift, start small by integrating one or two of these ideas. Over time, you’ll likely see increased engagement, deeper relationships, and a stronger sense of unity within your staff.

Have any traditions or crafted moments that have worked well in your staff meetings? We’d love to hear from you—share your insights in the comments below!