Congregations are very different than traditional non-profit corporations. Congregations are also the donors that support the institution, staff/volunteers that do the work of the institution, and the beneficiaries of part of that work. Board members tend to have roles in all three of these aspects.
A board needs to do its work deeply, minding the corporate aspects through its governance. This enables the other aspects--the ministry--to focus on the work of the congregation with known (if limited) resources.
Download the Syllabus (PDF) to keep track of your progress!
Styles of Governing Boards
In each of our congregations, the expectations, assumptions, and structure about the role and functioning of the Governing Board in the congregation and community are different. In some cases, the Governing Board is called upon to lead. In others, they function more to coordinate and represent the leadership of the members.
The Mission-Based Board
Even if your board doesn't operate fully as a strategic board, it is still important to take time in board meeting to thing strategically. One way to do this is to engage with Powerful Questions.
Ministry as Partnership
The relationship between the governance of the congregation and the programs or ministry of the congregation works well when both parts are in partnership in service to the mission.
There's Enough Ministry to Go Around!
Shared ministry creates a congregational culture in which each member is invited to participate in ministry and helped to do so through proven systems and processes. It brings new life and energy to the congregation. Members learn that all people have gifts and all are called to use them in building the reign of God. Shared ministry creates the environment in which this can actually happen. -Ryn Nasser (Alban Institute)
