LESSON 11 OF 40 - Thrive With Four Kingdom Values
Set a high standard for the board and the board members.
THE BIG IDEA FROM THE BOOK: In Lesson 11, the authors note that because of a variety of board dysfunctions, board service may not always be fulfilling and less than satisfying. Though no board is perfect, the authors suggest that much dissatisfaction would disappear if more attention was given to the deployment of the Holy Spirit. If sought, the Holy Spirit would give clearer discernment, a more accurate assessment of spiritual gifts, a better understanding of what commitment would mean, which would lead to a greater enjoyment.
• David McKenna: “Discernment is a gift of the Holy Spirit that comes with spiritual maturity. It may be the gift that defines Christ-centered leadership.” The emphasis on discernment in both the selection and function of board members cannot be overemphasized.
• “The best boards inspire members to leverage their God-given gifts. The best boards don’t just fill board slots by inserting square pegs in round holes.”
• Prayer: “Lord, like Eric Liddell’s testimony, ‘I believe that God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast,’ show each of our board members their God-given purpose. Amen.”
MY COLOR COMMENTARY:
When Finishing Well Ministries (FWM) was launched, the board that He brought together was a close-knit group of personal friends who cared deeply about me and the mission of FWM. Those friendships forged the framework for FWM, and FWM launched well. Since we have traveled together in these early years, it is becoming increasingly clear that while strong friendships form a great launching pad, what is continually necessary is a greater discernment for an increasing complexity of issues regarding our present and future ministry. Holy Spirit discernment is more critically important now than when we began.
As I reflect on over 33 years of leading boards and 29 years of serving on boards, I find the encouragement of Busby and Pearson in this chapter as refreshing as ever for all leaders and all boards. Their encouragement reminds me of the truth of Romans 8:14, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of Gods.” May I paraphrase it this way? “For all boards, in both their makeup and their work, who are led by the Spirit of God, these are the boards and ministries that are in fact doing the work of God.”
THIS WEEK’S QUOTES & COMMENTARY BY HAL HABECKER:
HAL HABECKER is the Founder and President of Finishing Well Ministries. Hal has worked in and led various ministries for the past 44 years, including First Baptist Church (Dallas), The Christian Medical and Dental Associations, Dallas Bible Church, and now Finishing Well Ministries.
TO DO TODAY:
• Discern: What Kingdom values are foundational to your board’s theology and philosophy of governance?
• Raise the bar! Create the expectation that all board members will experience God’s pleasure as they serve.
• Visit the ECFA Knowledge Center and read and share the short chapter, Lesson 11, “Thrive With Four Kingdom Values.”
NEXT WEDNESDAY: On March 25, 2020, watch for the commentary on Lesson 12, “Keeping the Boardroom Afloat. Are too many staff causing the boardroom to capsize?”
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