Why Your Board Makes a Difference

John B. Savage, EMBA - Managing Editor, Boardwise

When it comes to boards, ministry leaders fall into one of two camps; either they inherited their board or they reluctantly assembled one in the launching of their start-up ministry.  In both cases, many executives don’t know what to do with their boards, while the board members (and the one who chairs) know even less.  If you or your boss are in this common universe, read on.

Our biblical frame of reference is most often rooted in Proverbs 15:22 (Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.)  Relevant debate has stirred the pot on the value of consulting with these advisers selectively and individually or collectively in the same place and at the same time.  Regardless of where you fall, the key value of third-party advisors is objectivity.  In the trenches of business or ministry, few of us know ourselves so well that we lead consistently in every situation and environment.  We are so surrounded with every facet of the ministry gem that entices us that we are prone to miss the nuances that will most effectively solve our problem or advance our cause.  Board members help us see more clearly when our passion has blinded us.

Another value your board can bring is resourcefulness.  The board’s primary role is to make sure the mission is effectively and efficiently accomplished.  To do this requires resources of every kind…money, influence, gifts-in-kind, introductions, vendor contacts, specialized talent, and so on.  A client of mine struggled for years to make real progress in growing its ministry.  While it did sound work, it just couldn’t break through to the next level.  With prodding from their consultant (yes, yours truly), they have broadened their vision for their board and attracted a variety of community leaders who, together, bring every resource needed to move the vision forward and more successfully accomplish the mission.  What a joy to see progress after so many years of turmoil.  Board members bring direct and indirect resources that fuel our vision!

When asked what boards “should” bring, most ministry executives start with accountability.  While this is not incorrect, I prefer to emphasize that the best boards bring balance.  A good board helps you stay on the narrow path you have chosen – and it is narrow.  The board brings exhortation and rebuke when necessary, but plays an appropriate offsetting role with encouragement as well.  Sometimes we ride the peak longer than we should and need to be reigned in.  Other times, we can walk in circles through the valley, and need the hand of encouragement to reach down and pull us back up to reality.  The good board helps us comply with reality and not be diverted or distracted by that which is not in or on the path we have chosen.

 In all cases, the board provides leadership for the leader.  It helps to cast and clarify vision, to assess and celebrate the reason you exist, and to boldly embrace the future.  Boards who can bring objectivity, resourcefulness, and balance will find a solid foundation upon which they can build a successful ministry.