Clear communication to your staff is vitally important to fulfilling the mission of your church and keeping your vision in focus. Setting expectations, defining goals and designating tasks are all essential parts of any communication from the top. But there are also other important things a pastor must convey.

Good leaders care about their staff members. It’s a no-brainer. But don’t assume they know you care. Express it to them in words. Not only will it help them understand you better, encourage them, and clarify their place in the organization, but it will also empower them to do a better job.

Here are six things every pastor should say to their staff from time to time:

1. “Thank you.” This simple phrase can generate a lot of goodwill. Don’t assume your staff members know you appreciate what they do. Tell them, and be specific. A word of thanks can mean a lot to people who are working hard for you.

2. “I want you to succeed.” Sometimes staff members feel held back. You may be fearful of a staff person leaving for another assignment. You don’t won’t to lose his or her valuable contribution. But the most successful staff members will be promoted — if not within your church, then perhaps somewhere else. Let them know you want them to succeed, no matter where that is.

Don’t assume your staff members know you care.

3. “Let me show you how to do it.” Instead of just telling them what to do or how to do it, show them. Turn growth opportunities into teaching moments. Your staff people look up to you and your expertise, so share with them from your wealth of knowledge and experience.

4. “How’s your family?” Take time to learn about and invest in each staff member as a person, and include their family in the equation. The best way to know what’s going on with a person’s spouse, children or parents is to ask — and then listen.

5. “I like you as a person.” You’ve likely told them how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication. They may be able to see their value as it relates to the church. But let them know you like them as individuals, too. That means you’re willing to spend time with them outside of staff meetings, doing life together in fun ways.

6. “I’m sorry.” When you mess up — and you will — be quick to apologize. When you let your staff know that you’re a real person with real problems, it makes it easier to follow you. People are more willing to follow a leader who is willing to take responsibility when they fail.

These are just a few ways to use your words to lead your staff with influence. Make a list of some other things you wish you heard when you were a staff member, and then make sure you’re communicating them as a lead pastor.