Make it Transformational: A Blog for Champion Discipleship

One of the greatest gifts that God has ever given non-profit leaders is a board of directors. I know, you’re probably thinking, “if you knew how dysfunctional my board was, you wouldn’t say that,” and perhaps you’re right. But, even while agreeing with the sentiments that accompany that thinking, I would still contend, that boards can be and in fact are a gift of God’s kind providence to us.

Working with a board has been one of the more complicated and thorny aspects of my role at the foundation. Yet, even in the midst of such a challenge it has proved equally if not more valuable for my personal growth than first expected. It is this experience in working with a board that has more deeply solidified three very valuable lessons: namely, the importance of accountability, the truth that wisdom comes in bundles, and the importance of intentionality in building relationships.

Accountability – I don’t know if this is true for you, but I’m often prone to think that my ideas are the best ideas. In fact, I’m often predisposed to a type of self-bias that precludes the opinion of others in favor of my own logic to a fault. After all, I’ve thought about it longer, care about it more, worked more intimately with the issues, and have much more at stake.

Wow! This wrong thinking and deep arrogance has surely not led to the growth of the organization, but has more often than not probably stifled it. What I’ve realized very acutely is I need my board! I need their input and ideas. I need their unique gifts, strengths, and abilities. And perhaps even more, I need their accountability for mine.

Wisdom comes in bundles – Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” Without precondition this promise from the Scriptures gives a great deal of hope for those looking to achieve a measure of success…as well as a path to walk on. In keeping with the ideas above, I find it amazing that God has built certain deficiencies into the body of Christ so that we would necessarily be forced to work with one another if we hope to realize the success of our plans.

Relationships are key – One piece of wise counsel I received early on in my work, was to set the number of board members equal to the number of personal relationships that I could maintain. That counsel was quickly followed by the admonition to work feverishly and intentionally to do so! Though it is often difficult, I make it my goal to get at least one personal meeting with each board member in-between our regularly scheduled meetings. Doing so has changed my outlook on the work that we’ve collectively been entrusted with as well as my perspective and appreciation for those that the Lord has called me to serve with at our organization. These times together have deeply and fundamentally changed the effectiveness of our business meetings and thus the effectiveness of the foundation.

So, what is God teaching you as you work with your board? I’m sure many great things that we would all benefit from if you would be interested in sharing. You can do so by using the comment function below…go ahead, give it a try.