“So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.”
Church board members are responsible for keeping the church employees and members accountable to the laws and regulations that govern them.
As a nonprofit, a church is required to establish and maintain agreed upon bylaws. Bylaws are legal documents that are established by the church or larger governing body, such as a denomination, and are a requirement of all churches to maintain nonprofit status with the IRS. Of all the church board responsibilities, of which there are many, this is perhaps the most important as it not only keeps the church in compliance with the law, it ensures the church is financially viable and therefore continually able to work towards fulfilling its identified mission and purpose.
Explore a Christian Ministry Degree – Request More Info Today!
What are the Primary Responsibilities that Fall to Church Board Members?
Church board members, although bound by many state and federal expectations, are most responsible to the congregations they serve. Through their integrity in handling money and important documents, to guiding, directing, and counseling church leaders and members, to living lives that are defined by character and guided by the Word of God and conviction of the Holy Spirit, church board members are leaders of the churches they serve and therefore responsible for and accountable to the congregation.
Other Responsibilities of a church board member include, but are not limited to the following:
Develop, implement, and continually evaluate the church’s mission, vision, and value statements.
Second only to the Bible, a church is guided and identified by is mission, vision, and values. In the beginning of any church, board members are responsible for writing those statements. Afterward, board members are responsible for upholding them and revising them as needed. This expectation of wisdom, grace, and integrity produces a great deal of weight upon a board member. It requires them to be knowledgeable of the Bible and the world around them, and to have the wisdom to navigate them both in such a way that extends grace and forgiveness, while remaining compliant with the church’s bylaws and providing clarity and purpose to the church’s mission, vision, and value statements.
Hold leadership accountable.
Once the mission, vision, and value statements are created, board members and other church leaders are expected to create church goals, often annually, delegate responsibilities, and provide clear and direct tasks and steppingstones toward fulfilling the church’s mission. Board members, then, often absorb the responsibility of guiding, directing, and supporting the lead pastor and leadership team. And, when necessary, hold them accountable to the agreed upon goals and established bylaws and expectations.
“An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain."
Ensure financial stability and integrity.
Both at the church and individual level, board members are expected to oversee and ensure that the church is a responsible steward of money, property, and materials. Largely, this is done by approving the budget as well as routinely and annually ensuring the integrity of spending and use of church money and resources. A major component to the budget is the managing of salaries for all church employees, including, that of the church leaders.
Because church leaders are often compensated through a combination of pay, housing, and other such benefits, keeping an eye on how the money is spent in relation to the overall mission and vision of the church, can be a daunting and messy task. Board members, then, are often encouraged to have some financial management experience, as well as the ability to navigate difficult and uncomfortable situations.
Resolve conflict and settle disputes.
Because the board is expected to make decisions based on policy rather than opinions or “gut feelings,” they are called up on to settle conflicts-of-interest among church members and any outside dealings or opportunities. If a member of church leadership is gaining personal profit directly because of their role within the church, that could present a problem.
The board would be expected to navigate these discussions and carefully review the church’s policy requiring all employees and board members to disclose any potential conflicts. Board members would then facilitate the signing of a conflict-of-interested document that would ensure clarity and direction for both parties.
Keep and maintain records.
The board is responsible for maintaining accurate and timely records of the following:
- Board minutes
- Mission, vision, and values statements
- Bylaws
- Articles of Incorporation
- Any and all policies that govern the board
These files must be held in a safe and secure space and be made available to any and all governing bodies. They are crucial for the church’s status as a nonprofit organization and what maintain the church’s compliance with the local and federal laws.
Train new and upcoming leaders.
Healthy churches and leadership teams are constantly bringing up and training new leaders. Not only does this continually provide new ideas and fresh perspectives, it ensures that the church is never left in a void of leadership and quality understanding of the church, the required expectations of the state and federal government, and support for church leaders. Being selected as a board member requires a great understanding of the responsibility to the church, not only in the immediate time of service, but in assurance that the future of the church will continue to act with integrity, in compliance, and full of Godly and biblical wisdom.
Qualifications of a Church Board Member
There are no specific legal guidelines to become a church board member. There is, however, the Apostle Paul’s letter to Timothy wherein he outlines criteria for church leaders.
1 Timothy 3:8-13 recommends that a servant of the church ought to be:
- Emotionally and spiritually mature
- Reliable and trusted in word and action
- Not addicted to wine or other vices
- Selfless
- Tested and proven in experience in life
- Of good and strong reputation
- Devoted as a spouse
Other qualifications can include, but are not limited to:
- Has a willingness and ability to confront and work through hard issues and relationships.
- Is committed and active in the church and community life. Even without the title of board member, potential board members should have exemplified their heart and willingness to serve by being active and invested in their church and local community.
- Has a desire and heart to serve others. Who uses their position and understanding for the benefit of others, not merely themselves.
- Have been members of the church, or any church, for several years indicating commitment to the church, to Christ, and to the fellowship of other believers.
- Is a prayer warrior, as an individual and a leader.
- Is active and purposeful in sharing the Gospel. Be it through church events, outreach, or through their personal life and opportunities, a church board member should always be ready and willing to share the Gospel.
The role of a church board member is not about receiving praise and adoration, special treatment or unique opportunities for personal gain. It is to serve. To love Christ with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to use the position of power and opportunity to Glory His name by furthering the gospel and serving others.
