Welcome to this second blog in my series, A Heart for Service. In the first blog, I shared some of the lessons I have learned over the years as I have served in church and different ministries. If you haven’t had a chance to read or listen to it yet, I encourage you to start here.
GIVE OF YOUR TIME, TALENT AND TREASURE
God has given each of us certain gifts and skills. When I use the gifts God gave me in serving, I get a strong sense that he is using me in a meaningful way to impact lives.
A unique way I have had the opportunity to serve has been on boards for church and different ministries. I have received several invitations over the years and have developed my own standard that helps focus on my commitment to a particular ministry. I call them my four C’s:
- It must fit clearly within my personal calling.
- I must demonstrate and model Godly character as I serve.
- I must exhibit capability to serve and lead others.
- I must make the commitment of time to serve as a leader.
Demonstrating commitment requires more than just verbally agreeing to serve. I have chosen to show my commitment to the ministries I serve in a number of ways.
- Attendance
As a board member, it’s important to add all your meetings to your calendar as soon as they are scheduled and strive to attend all formal responsibilities. It’s impossible to benefit from time together as a board and contribute as a member if you’re not able to be present. - Time Commitment
Serving on a board requires a time commitment over and above the time required for formal responsibilities. Ensure this time is factored in and planned for. - Financial Support
When presented with a ministry opportunity, sometimes my money follows my heart, and other times my heart follows my money. Either way, supporting a ministry financially benefits not only the ministry but you as an individual and as a member of the board as well.
When we are considering making a donation to an organization, a key determinant for us is what percentage of the annual budget is covered by the board. Board members have insight into a ministry more than a donor would. If a board is sacrificially providing financial support, it speaks loudly and encourages us to support them too. - Allowing God to Lead
When serving, I seek God’s leading and direction on how and where to serve. Sometimes, I opt to volunteer in an area that is more difficult and sacrificial on my part rather than effortless or convenient. That way, I feel I am truly giving and the ministry gets the biggest return. - Decision Making
Though unity at the board level is important, I don’t believe it is critical when it comes to making decisions. It is more valuable to allow sufficient time for discussion and have different perspectives shared before putting the board to a vote. When there is no agreement reached, allowing additional time to discuss or even delaying a vote to a later meeting is warranted.
BEING ACTIVELY INVOLVED ON A BOARD
How to be an active and effective board member is not always clear. However, over the years, I have identified several ways to contribute outside of the formal responsibilities.
Visit the Organization on the Ground
If you serve on a board that operates outside of your geographical area, it becomes difficult to stay involved and gain hands-on experience with the organization. Therefore, I have found it beneficial to schedule time to travel and visit the organization.
Plan your time beforehand so you can get the most out of your trip. Seek to spend your time not only with those who have prepared for your visit but with people or experiences that will offer a different perspective of what is happening in the organization. On subsequent trips, plan to visit other locations and people within the organization that you have not seen before.
Host Ministry/Organization Guests
When individuals who are serving in the ministry/organization visit your area, plan ahead and spend time with them outside of the formal meetings or responsibilities. If possible, host them in your home, or host a dinner in your home, as this extra time together is often rich and valuable.
Connect Personally
Look for opportunities to connect with your ministry/organization partners throughout the year. Reach out on birthdays, special occasions, and key life events. This helps to build the relationship and let them know you are thinking of and praying for them.
Proactively Read about the Ministry
I like to seek out and read materials about the ministry/organization—not just those created by the ministry/organization itself but what others have generated about them too. Even if they are in a different language, I try to get a brief overview of the material. Doing this grows my perspective on the ministry/organization and, therefore, my understanding of how to better support them.
Mentoring
Look for opportunities to connect with and mentor individuals within the ministry/organization. Even if you are not geographically close, make use of technology to have face-to-face meetings.
Board Committees
Sometimes the opportunity will present itself to join a special project or committee within the ministry/organization. If possible, volunteer to be a part of it, as it allows you to dive deeper into the ministry and contribute on a different level.
Pray Regularly
Note down different needs and requests the ministry/organization has and remember to pray for them on a regular basis.
Support Financially
As a board member, I believe supporting the ministry financially is an important part of my role. Writing a check or sending a regular donation causes me to think more about the ministry and pray for them. The act of financially supporting an individual or an organization also does a lot to encourage them and show them you are standing with and supporting the work they are doing.
I share more about serving as a board member and the different roles and responsibilities in my handout, How to be an Effective Board Member. Please take time to go through it for additional insights.
ACTION STEPS
When I find myself serving in an area that God has called me to serve in, he not only equips me, but the experience is deeply fulfilling. The times I have gone out on my own, it gets difficult and discouraging—particularly during the tough times. God’s voice and calling are critical when serving.
If you haven’t had an opportunity to serve, take time to pray and ask God to open a door for you. If you have been serving, take time to converse with him, reflect on what you have done, and focus on how it has affected your heart. Are you continuing to be inspired by your serving? What internal fruit are you bearing from it?
