If we want to see our executive director smile, one of our greatest gifts as a board is a simple phrase:”It’s your call. We’re with you.”

As a board we desperately desire great success for the ministry. This desire however, can lead to an inclination to make decisions that – quite honestly – aren’t ours to ponder. Specifically, we may make funding decisions that fall outside of our jurisdiction.

For instance, the board creates an advertising budget, but specific decisions regarding Yellow Pages, web site, television and radio ads, etc. are outside of the board’s purview. In the same realm, we create a capital equipment budget based on upcoming needs but we place decisions regarding the phone system, a new copier, etc. under the authority of our executive director. However, if our copier breaks down and we don’t have funding for a new machine, it is the board’s responsibility to allocate new funds, but again, the board doesn’t need to go shopping for copiers.

The question is, “Should the executive director ask for our counsel on these matters?” If counsel is needed, absolutely. The board is an excellent source of wisdom for key decisions. Yet when it comes to a final verdict, our gift as a board – the gift of authority – is to say, “We trust your decision.”

Tension between boards and staff often results not from power struggles, egos or even blatant sin. Almost all of the time, misunderstandings result from – well – a misunderstanding of assigned roles. Misunderstandings sometimes begin when the executive director – not wanting to be perceived as usurping the board’s authority – starts turning to the board on routine matters. If this goes too far, our board meetings can degenerate into a series of votes on nothing of consequence. Board members grow weary and the executive director grows frustrated.

As a board we can’t let this happen. If our executive director comes to us for a decision on one of these issues, instead of jumping in our best gift is to say, “That’s your call. We’re with you.” This statement frees our executive director to fulfill God’s role as the CEO of the ministry. In addition, it frees the board to fulfill its role as well: As a committed group setting the course for ministry excellence. A quick rule of thumb is, As a board, let’s make as few decisions as possible. As for the decisions we do make, let’s make them big ones.

Letter reprinted by permission from LifeTrends. If you'd like to know more about the resources provided by LifeTrends that can be used to encourage your volunteers, educate your Board and reach your supporters, or if you're looking for a great speaker for your next banquet, contact Kirk Walden at kirk.walden@comcast.net or visit LifeTrends' web site at LifeTrendsOnline.com.