In Sunday’s message, we reflected on the Apostle Paul’s encouragement to the Thessalonian church to “encourage one another and build each other up, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, and do what is good for one another” (1 Thessalonians 5:11-24). These words describe what a healthy church should be—a community filled with people who choose to bless, build up, and strengthen others. 

That same spirit applies to how we relate within the body of Christ and, by extension, how we lead, manage, and serve in every place where God has planted us. When a church—or any organization—creates a climate of caring, people flourish. Proverbs 15:4 says that “gentle words are a tree of life,” and that life-giving environment begins with how we speak, serve, and lead together. 

This week I spent some time looking through The Richmond Times-Dispatch’s 2025 Top Workplaces list. These are organizations recognized not because of their size or profits but because their employees rated them highly for culture, leadership, and overall satisfaction. Over 22,000 employees across the region responded to the survey conducted by Energage, and 91 organizations qualified as Top Workplaces. 

Among those honored every year since the survey began are Capital One Financial Corp., CarMax, Williams Mullen, Gumenick Properties, Independent Container Line Ltd., Napier ERA, and the Auditor of Public Accounts. Others joining the list this year include Flagstop Car Wash, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, SimpliSafe, and The Virginia Home. Also notable are Estes Express Lines and Chesterfield County Government. While each organization is different, the qualities that make them stand out are remarkably consistent—clarity of purpose, servant-minded leadership, employee growth and recognition, and a culture where people feel valued. 

To be nominated as top workplaces means these employers don’t just post mission statements—they live them. Their leaders invest in people. They celebrate wins, listen well, and model integrity. Employees sense that they matter. As author Steven Covey once said, “Always treat your employees exactly as you want them to treat your best customers.” Simon Sinek adds, “Customers will never love a company until the employees love it first.” 

That’s a principle the church should know better than anyone. Jesus modeled servant leadership—washing feet, lifting burdens, and inviting His followers to love as He loved (John 13:34). When the Apostle Paul urged believers to “outdo one another in showing honor,” he was setting a cultural tone that every Christian organization should strive for (Romans 12:10). 

 
It might mean being known for how well we encourage, listen, and communicate. It might mean a staff culture where collaboration replaces competition and where feedback and appreciation flow freely. It might mean treating our volunteers and ministry teams as partners in mission, not just helpers in programs. It would certainly mean keeping relationships first—making sure that people are always valued above productivity or performance. 

So, what would it look like for a church to be a Top Workplace? 

In the business world, that’s called employee engagement. In the kingdom of God, it’s called love. 

If Chick-fil-A can build a “culture of care” in a fast-paced business, how much more should the church embody a culture of grace? As we seek to create such an environment here—among our staff, leadership, and volunteers—let’s take to heart Paul’s words: “Encourage one another and build each other up.” May we be a church where people want to serve, where faith flourishes, and where our shared life becomes, in every sense, a tree of life for all who come near. 

Blessings,