What is the Bottom Line of First Wesleyan Church?
As a Church board we need to determine what the
bottom line is?
Why does First Wesleyan Church exist?
What does the bottom line mean to you as an
individual?
As a board, we are responsible for…..
Spiritual, moral, and social maturity of the Church members.
The building and properties
Being in Counsel with the Pastor
Oversee Church Finances
For the Church’s outreach
Church Discipleship
For the care of the Congregation
Oversee the church’s relationship with the Pastor
The Board is responsible to serve as
counsel with the Pastor.
The board can be the eyes and ears of the pastor within the
congregation. This does not excuse the pastor from personal contact
with parishioners, (not something we really have to worry about), but a
church board will often have a better sense of the church’s history,
practices, customs, and idiosyncrasies.
The Board is responsible for the church’s outreach.
When a church ceases to care about
the spiritual welfare of its community,
it has ceased to have a reason for its
existence.
The Board is responsible for the church’s Discipleship.
New believers must be placed in small
groups or one-on-one relationships in
which they can grow in Christ. We bring
them in; then we build the up. We rescue
them from certain destruction, but then
we must disciple them into fully devoted
followers of Jesus Christ.
The Board is responsible for the Care of the Congregation.
The board can assist the pastor, through programs of
pastoral care, in providing spiritual care and
counseling for the members of the congregation.
How are we
Doing?
Four Key Roles Every Board Member Must Fulfill!
1) Governors…
As governors we sit in meetings and vote. We can vote “yea” or “na”,
but in casting our votes, we are governing the Church. Whatever the
motive, those who serve on the board govern the direction the church
will take.
2) Ambassadors…
As ambassadors we are to interpret the mission of the church, defending it when it’s
under pressure, representing it to our congregations and communities. Especially when
the board makes difficult or unpopular decisions, its role is crucial in helping the
congregation to understand those decisions. Board members may also need to defend the
pastor when he is under pressure. They can present a united front along with the pastor
in steering a clear course for the congregation. They represent the congregation to the
board and represent the board to the congregation.
Four Key Roles Every Board Member Must Fulfill!
3) Consultants…
Laypersons have skills and experiences the pastor does not have. Equipped
with abilities, talents, and proficiencies, can be invaluable in providing
counsel and guidance for the pastor and staff of the church.
4) Sponsors…
Board members should give financially to the church proportionate to their means. If you
are truly “sold out” to the church then Invest in it.
“Young man, You need to understand that I
understand that I am a slave to Jesus, and a slave
doesn’t have problems. The only thing the slave
has to do is what the master asks him. He doesn’t
have to be successful, and when you really
understand that, all the sudden you don’t have
problems anymore. All that is left is the
opportunities to see God work.”
Quoted from Bill Bright
5 ways to see if you’re an effective Board.
B elieve- An effective board will operate by faith rather than Fear.
O ptimize- Concentrate on what is possible instead of what is problematic
Argue- Provide reason why you are for or against something.
R espond- The test of a boards character is how it deals with difficult situations.
D ecide- The board has to make well informed decisions.
Effective Board Meetings
Come Prepared
Have all reports read and information studied.
Start with Prayer
Seeking Gods will and Wisdom for the meeting.
Have a devotional time
Have a clear agenda
Information items first, Study Items next, Action items last. (good rule of thumb no item can be an action item
unless it has been studied at least one meeting before or is an emergency item.
Wrap up
By summarizing the boards action near the end of the board meeting, you give the board members a sense of
accomplishment and gives the chair the opportunity to end the meeting on a positive note.
Close with Prayer
Time to pray for God to work in the Church and community throughout the next month and other requests
New Board Members
Set clear expectations.
• meeting attendance requirements- both full board and committee
• Committee assignments and charges (if applicable)
Provide a Manual
• Mission Statement
• Policy manual, if any
• Minutes of board meetings for the past year
• Annual Report
• Audit Report
• Current Budget
• Current Financial Report
New Board Members
Provide a Manual. (Continue)
• Strategic plan
• Goals for the year
• Roster of board members. Including contact information
• List of board officers
• List of committee members, including Chairs
• Annual Calendar of activities and meetings
• Other