I served for a 12 years as a student pastor in the local church before transitioning to the role of a church planter and senior pastor. So I’ve been on the giving and receiving end of this post. As a student pastor, I wished I heard these things more. As a senior pastor, I wish I said them more.
Here are four things every staff member needs to hear from their senior pastor:
1. Thank you.
Being a pastor is often a thankless job. But when you’re a couple of steps down the food chain, you hear even fewer compliments. If you’re a senior leader, make sure you find tangible ways to say thank to those who need to hear it. Say it, write it in a note, and say it from the stage.
2. Good job.
This might be tough for a vision-centric leader who is always looking towards what’s next. But as much time as you spend encouraging people to move forward, you should thank. Appreciation for a job well done is one of the most important motivations to happy employees. When someone does a good job, stop to notice and call it out. And don’t just toss around a generic “good job” – get specific with your praise.
3. What do you need?
One of the most tangible things you can do to encourage and help your staff is just ask them what they need to do their jobs well. You might have ideas, resources, or relationships that could help a staff member be more successful in their job. Instead of going tot them with lists and requests, take time to listen to them and ask what they need.
4. How is your family?
It’s to pastor everyone in the church and forget about those on your team. We assume things are going well with them, so we forget to ask. But don’t forget about the spiritual, emotional, and family life of your team. Ask as a pastor and a friend, not as a boss.
What would you add to this list?
After a dozen years as a student pastor, and five years a church-starter, I'm the Chief Operating Officer of 
I would include, “How am I doing?”
Sometimes Sr. Pastors are incredibly self-aware when it comes to their ability as a leader of their staff; sometimes they are not. Creating an environment where you can ask your team, “How am I doing?” and they know you want to hear their honest answers; that can be an incredible gift to your staff.
Right behind Carol’s, I would include: “How can I pray for (or with) you?”
This also reveals how you are doing spiritually, i.e. relationally with Christ.