1 of 3
Ideas to Revitalize Church Board Meetings
Tips to look past the "business items."
1 of 3
Most church board meetings are filled with "business items." Decisions need to be made, proposals to consider, reports to receive. Yet the primary focus of the Church should be people and seeing lives changed by the Gospel. So, here is an idea to help keep the focus on people and encourage the hearts of board members: invite someone to come and share their story of how life is different because of Jesus Christ. For example, the agenda was full for the elders at Christ Covenant Church near Charlotte, N.C. However, just days before, one of their elders, Sam Wilson, was diagnosed with advanced cancer throughout his body. Sam had to be wheeled into the meeting in a wheel chair. Church board meetings can be a time to find encouragement, gain valuable insight from everyone and set a tone for excellence throughout the church.
He and his wife, Harriet, shared the wonderful reality of Christ in their lives, in the midst of the worst trial they had ever faced. That night, the business items were put into proper perspective as tears were shed, prayers were offered and praise was sung. And this was in a Presbyterian church, not exactly known for being overly emotional. Perhaps there is a couple whose marriage has been restored, or a person who recently came to faith in Christ. Have them come and share their story with the board members. Everyone will be encouraged, Christ will be honored and the meeting will take on a new tone having been freshly reminded of the power of Christ. Do Things TogetherDo something to promote your church board members getting to know each other in a whole new setting—do a ministry project together. Being together, outside of the normal business meetings, will create informal conversations. Board members will relate to each other on a whole different level. Plus, doing a ministry project together will involve your board members where they should be in the first place—doing ministry. Here are some project ideas. Work on a Habitat for Humanity house together. Become a work crew to repair a parishioner's home. Do a special project on the church property. Do a car wash with the teenagers to raise money for a missions trip. Have a workday at the home of a needy family. You get the idea. Be creative. It will also be a blessing to the congregation to see their church leadership working together on a project. Train, Empower MembersYou may have had some initial training for your board members, but what are you doing for ongoing training? An effective church board continues to learn and grow. Bridges Church near Los Angeles has an annual board training budget. Once a year pastor Jeff Timblin arranges for some type of training to help equip, empower and educate the church board. However, your budget may be tight. There are other options. If you have a special speaker on a Sunday, ask if he would be willing to meet with your church board that afternoon for a time of conversation and training. |             |
share this page
