This week’s featured resource is Church Board Essentials, a discounted collection that includes everything you need to put together a great board, or revitalize your current board. Below is an excerpt from “Disciple Your Board,” an article included in “Becoming a Great Church Board,” which is included in this pack.
Three years of an intimate, almost unbroken relationship with Jesus prepared 12 men to turn the world upside down. Whether you are starting a new church or beginning ministry in an established one, you will find this fundamental strategy of Jesus to be the key to growing strong, healthy board members.
The Discipling Pastor
When Jesus spent time with the Twelve, the disciples learned from what Jesus did as well as from what he said. His attitude under pressure and his response to those who came to him were constant demonstrations of how to care for those in need. Time with Jesus was an ideal “School of the Spirit.” The pastor needs to seek that ideal with the board.
First, spend time with your board members and motivate the board to do the same. A monthly meeting is not adequate in time or atmosphere, but it can be helped greatly by making time for social fellowship over a meal together or a time of relaxation with families.
At least one annual spiritual retreat with the board is essential. This is not a business retreat, but a time for spiritual renewal. The retreat allows you and your board to learn together, grow together, and get to know one another at deeper levels. It should be a time of corporate, inductive Bible study, a time for praying together, a time to seek the mind of Christ together. Each person should have the opportunity to open his heart, reveal where he is hurting, share his concerns, and allow others to minister to him.
A wise pastor gives priority to the nurture of loving, caring, supportive relationships between himself and those with whom he serves. This takes time—much time—but you cannot afford to do less.
The Discipling Pastor in the Boardroom
In the board meetings, a pastor demonstrates whether he is a dictator or friend and servant, whether he thinks of himself as the head of an organization or a member of a team of disciples. Understand that you are a servant to the servants of Jesus Christ, who is head and Lord of the church. It is a team ministry in which the head of the church guides and directs not only the pastor but also every member of the board.
Listen much more than you talk, and avoid manipulative practices designed to influence decisions, trusting the Spirit of God to guide the body according to the will of God. Never intimidate the board or communicate the idea that they must decide as you wish. Your influence should come through the friendships you have been nurturing as you disciple the board at times other than official meetings.
