The Signs of a Healthy Church Board

A Healthy Board Will Have…

1.         Great Leaders who deliberately do the following things:

A.        Create the right environment (believe in what you are doing)

1. Know basic human needs.
   1. Know what is expected of you and each member of the board.
   2. Make sure that you and each member of the board have the opportunity to perform.
   3. Know how each one is getting along.
   4. Give assistance where it is needed.
   5. Recognize each member’s contribution.

1. Avoid the “seven deadly sins”:
   1. Trying to be liked rather than respected.
   2. Not asking team members for advice and help.
   3. Thwarting personal talent by emphasizing rules rather than skills.
   4. Not keeping criticism constructive.
   5. Not developing a sense of responsibility in team members.
   6. Treating everyone the same way.
   7. Failing to keep people informed.

2.         The best people available serving on the board.

1. Success of any organization depends on three things:
   1. A clear direction
   2. The right team members.
   3. Sound finances.

B.  The smaller the organization the more the importance of who serves.

C.  Personal characteristics:

1. Positive attitude
2. High energy level*
3. Personal warmth
4. Integrity
5. Responsible
6. Good self-image
7. Mental horsepower*
8. Leadership ability
9. “Followership” ability
10. Absence of personal problems*
11. People skills
12. Sense of humor
13. Resilience*
14. Track record*
15. Great desire
16. Self-discipline
17. Creative
18. Flexibility
19. Sees “big picture”
20. Intuitive*

1. Know what the job of a “Board Member” requires.
   1. Time
   2. Patience
   3. A spiritual relationship with God
   4. An ability to listen
   5. An example
   6. Able to make tough decisions

3.         Expectations of success  (work toward success)

1. Avoid mediocrity (excellence)
2. Sieze the opportunity when it presents itself (preparation)
3. Pay the price  (sacrifice)
4. Play to win (positive)

4.         The desire to make the other members of the board successful (have team spirit on the board)

1. Know the “key” to each board member (What does he really want?)
2. Map out the vision of the board
3. Define the role of every board member.
4. Board identity
5. Use the words “we” and “our”
6. Communicate

5.         An understanding of its specific duties, responsibilities and limitations.

1. A job description
2. Clearly defined objectives
3. Clearly defined limitations

6.         Continual improvement.  (continued success is the result of continual improvement)

1. To not improve is to be finished
2. Keep growing and improving individually
3. Develop your peers and those who work under you
4. Keep close personal contact with those you work with: peers and subordinates
   1. Set specific objectives
   2. Have frequent progress reviews.
      1. Continual reminder of the importance of objectives over personal interests, etc.
      2. Observe and praise progress toward objectives
      3. Observe the lack of performance and attempt to get the peers/subordinates on track

by D. L. Flowers

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