To help grow our ministry at Youthworks Outdoors we asked an outsider to have a look at the way we go about marketing our midweek camps to schools.

As a part of his fact-finding mission, he asked me, "How do you reward your staff?"

I must confess I was a little surprised by his question. I was keen to find out some new techniques and strategies, yet he seemed to be focusing on motivating the staff to improve their performance.

In my reply, I explained to him that Youthworks, as part of the Anglican Church, is a not-for-profit organisation. I tried to help him understand that the staff in my team willingly sacrifice the 'top dollar' packages provided by many secular organisations in return for the knowledge that their labours contribute directly to young people hearing about Jesus through Word ministry.

In other words, I reward my staff for their labour by helping them hear how God is glorified through the combined work of our ministry. What gets me and my team members out of bed each morning is the knowledge that what we do each day, seen or unseen, plays a part in bringing God's Word to kids through our outdoor ministry.

To help this happen, our staff meet each Friday afternoon to let each other know what we have done, so that together we might be able to give glory to God for the part that we have played in proclaiming God's Word to kids.

Our Friday meetings are a time of celebration. We enjoy a tasty afternoon tea with lots of cold drinks and food. We laugh, and sometimes we cry, as we share the triumphs and trials of our ministry. We thank each other for the part they play in helping each of us serve God. We join in prayer for the kids and teachers who heard the gospel, and give thanks to God for our safety and his provisions in support of this ministry.

In many ways, the ministry at Youthworks Outdoors is quite different to that of a local church. We have over 80 permanent staff doing specialised tasks that combine to form our outdoor ministry to children, youth and families. So, we need to deliberately take time to drop our tools, come together, and to hear what we've been doing so we can continue to be motivated to serve.

Yet, in other ways, our ministry is no different to a church ministry. Every week there are many unnoticed tasks taking place throughout the parish. Whether it's clearing gutters, cooking meals, playing music, arranging flowers, counting money,  driving the PA, handing out bulletins, leading the crèche, teaching children, vacuuming carpets, pastoring a small group, teaching scripture, or preaching from the pulpit, there are many people who all make a significant impact on the ministry in the church.

That's why we need to take every opportunity to help each member of the body see what the other parts are up to.

How does your church 'celebrate' the ministry of its members? How are those who minister in your church motivated to continue their service?