New Year's Resolutions, we are told, are rarely kept, for many reasons.

One of course, is that we create unrealistic expectations for ourselves, like the once-a-month walker who resolves to run five miles a day, four times a week. For a pregnancy care center board member, our resolutions too, can be unrealistic.

For instance, if we have never encouraged a friend to support the ministry financially, it’s hard to imagine that in the coming year, we will find 50 friends who will each give $10,000.

But there are simple resolutions each of us can make that will strengthen our involvement, create a stronger board and build the ministry in the next twelve months. Here are a few resolutions to kick off New Year’s with a bang:

Resolved: I encourage

In the coming year I will be a better encourager. I may write a note; make more phone calls or simply make it a point to give encouraging words to the executive director, staff and other board members. I will be a part of building a culture of encouragement at our ministry.

Resolved: I give

In the coming year I will take a close look at my giving to the center. I resolve to give financially with a cheerful heart. If I am giving what I believe to be a satisfactory amount, I will pray about taking a step up this year with perhaps an extra gift or two, or even a larger gift at an appropriate time. If I am not giving as I should, that situation changes in the next 12 months.

Resolved: I pray

My board membership is a high calling, and prayer is part of that calling. Praying for this ministry will go on my "To Do" list, if it is not already. I will create a prayer schedule that is consistent and in keeping with my commitment to this ministry.

Resolved: I Invite

This year I will challenge myself to invite others into this ministry, either as volunteers or financial partners. I will consider business associates, small group members, friends from church and my neighborhood and consider ways, through a letter, phone call, lunch, casual contact or other route, to introduce some of these acquaintances to the ministry. I will come up with a reasonable number of people, a number I can expect to contact, and write it down. And by the end of this year, I will be successful in touching the lives of new people who can be a part of building this ministry's future.

Resolved: I grow

In the coming year I will assume that I can grow as a board member. I will ask our executive director for growth materials and if possible, attend an event that will make me stronger as I seek the best for this ministry. If I move forward as a board member and leader of this ministry, the ministry moves forward as well.

This article is from Boards of Excellence, a LifeTrends publication. If you have a question for Publisher Kirk Walden, contact him at kirk.walden@comcast.net