Every good church needs a Board of Directors/Elders that will serve the church by leading the church on big picture issues (not day-to-day issues) and holding the lead pastor accountable.
Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety”
To that end, I submit to you these 15 keys to building a fearless Board of Directors, one that is built for the current realities of 2025 and beyond.
I will in fact be using this list of criteria, first suggested by Josh McPherson, when adding new people to Life Church’s Board in the future. For what it’s worth, I share it with you.
Unity, not Diversity. People are already wildly distinct, and so we want a Board that represents leaders united around the church’s vision. God blesses unity (see Acts 2) and so we want to emphasize unity on our Board of Directors.
Heaven Down, not Pew Up. The Board does not represent the people, the Board uniquely represents the Lord to the people. We want a Board that hears from God and does what He says. There’s no room for fear or manipulation by man.
Monarchy, not Democracy. Board members do not represent constituencies within the church as this causes divisions (see #1 above!). We listen to God and do what He says. This is a kingdom outpost, not a popularity contest.
Govern, not Pastor. The Board’s job is to represent the King’s agenda for the church. This is not a shepherding role but rather a governing role.
Strengthen Pastor, not Throttle Pastor. The Board doesn’t protect the church from the pastor but rather the reverse! God gives the vision to the lead pastor who then stewards it wisely with wise counsel (Board of Directors). The Board’s job is not to hold back on the strategy but rather to strengthen the pastor’s hand wisely.
Special Operations, not Large Platoon. The church is supposed to act like an insurgency in a dark world. Opportunities require the Board to be nimble and small enough to make decisions quickly. When the Board is under 10 people, it creates an atmosphere for healthy questions and curiosity. When the Board is over 10 people, it becomes disunified because members are advocating for their positions. At Life Church, our Board was only 3 people for the first 7 years of our existence, followed by a Board today of 5 people. Amazon’s Jeff Bezos has an axiom: No team can be larger that can share one pizza for a meal. The Lord never anoints a team in the Scriptures; He always raises up a leader to quarterback the vision that is then aided by a team (think Moses). The purpose of a team, biblically, is to strengthen the leader’s hand.
High Relational Unity, not Resume Building.
Offense Oriented, not Playing Defense. We want seize-the-opportunity leaders, not minimize-the-risk leaders. I’m looking for people who only need 30% of the information to make a decision, not waiting until 110% of the info comes in.
Generals, not Soldiers. CEO’s and leaders understand the role of Board Members better than non-leaders.
Leaders of Men, not Pastors of People. We want people on the Board with the gift of governance.
Gift of Governance, not Gift of Compassion.
Solid Wife, Solid Life. This is true! I once hired a guy who was steered by his wife too much. It led to a church campus falling apart and gossip-bombs spreading in its wake. Like Dave Ramsey says, always interview the wife.
Not Emotionally-Manipulated. You want someone on the Board who has severed the need to be liked.
Mob Proof. This person should not be scared of online backlash to decisions. The loudest boo’s always come from the cheapest seats! We’re in the business of faith; you must have a high level of risk tolerance!
Men Who Have Been Attacked Before. You don’t want a fresh newbie on a Board where he may be eaten alive. As I always say, we don’t receive criticism from anyone we wouldn’t seek counsel from.
What criteria would you add?
