It is important for you to understand what criteria you and your fellow board members will use to make decisions. Power of the PastThe most obvious and frequently the most influential reference point in decision-making is precedent. What did we do last year? Did anyone complain about that? If not, the past can legitimize the future. For example, the pastor may tell the board he plans to take two weeks of vacation in August. When a new board member questions that, the pastor replies, "That's the schedule I've followed every year since I came here." Everyone appears satisfied. In many communities, someone should ask, "My impression is that July, August, and early September are the peak church-shopping months for newcomers to this community. Do you think it's wise for our minister to be out of the pulpit for two Sundays when our number-one goal is to grow? Would it be possible to move those two weeks in the summer to June?" The usual answer is, "No, the number-one criterion in scheduling vacations is the convenience of the staff; number two is local tradition." Two Sets of QuestionsThe way in which board member ask questions can influence the decision-making process. Compare these two sets of questions that may be criteria for board members. Set A
Set B
Who decides on the criteria that will guide the decision-making process? In smaller congregations the answer often is a mix of (a) local traditions and precedents, (b) respected and influential veteran leaders, (c) building and property constraints, and (d) comparative dollar costs. In larger congregations the criteria frequently originate in (a) the senior minister and/or program staff, or (b) books, workshops, and visiting experts. In middle-sized congregations the criteria are more likely to be articulated by the pastor and/or board members. Regardless of how your criteria are chosen, it is important to answer these questions: Which criteria does our board use? Which criteria would improve the governance system in our congregation? Copyright © 1997 Christianity Today International. Originally appeared in Renewing Your Church Through Vision and Planning (Bethany House).    Organizing a Church BoardA healthy, organized board is essential to any church.  Develop an Inclusive Children's MinistryProviding an atmosphere in which all children are welcome and included should be a priority for all children's ministry programs. Prayer List Lift up the prayer needs or your team, your church, and the students you lead. Borrowing Trouble? A new Leadership survey reveals that most churches make some debt work to their advantage.
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