Congregational Board Member Training Materials

Each of the 6 articles below has two sections.

Your board can use this 12-part series as a shared learning experience as part of your board meetings. (Each section takes around 45 minutes.)

Download the Syllabus (PDF) to keep track of your progress!

In This Section

What is the Purpose of a Board?

Governance Basics and Why We Have Meetings
Boards As Spiritual Leaders

Finding Your Center: Spiritual Grounding as Leaders. Knowing Your Purpose: Leading in Alignment with Your Mission
Boards as Change Agents

The Myth of Rationality: Understanding Human Nature. In the Wilderness: Change is Hard, Even if it’s the Promised Land.
Healthy Communication

Good Boundaries: Balancing Transparency and Confidentiality. From “Me” to “We”: Healthy Communications
Fiduciary Responsibilities

Who’s the Boss? Board as Employer. Guarding the Institution: Balancing Stability and Vision.
Who's on First: Clarifying Board Roles

A Strange Partnership: Governance and Ministry. Staying in My Lane: Governance Roles and Responsibilities

Who is in charge of what on your congregational board

By Renee Ruchotzke

From LeaderLab

What are typical job descriptions for the officers on a congregational board? Here is summary of typical roles and responsibilities....