What is the Bottom Line of First Wesleyan Church?

As a Church board we need to determine what the bottom line is?

Why does First Wesleyan Church exist?

What does the bottom line mean to you as an individual?

As a board, we are responsible for…..

Spiritual, moral, and social maturity of the Church members.

The building and properties Being in Counsel with the Pastor Oversee Church Finances For the Church’s outreach Church Discipleship For the care of the Congregation Oversee the church’s relationship with the Pastor

The Board is responsible to serve as counsel with the Pastor.

The board can be the eyes and ears of the pastor within the congregation. This does not excuse the pastor from personal contact with parishioners, (not something we really have to worry about), but a church board will often have a better sense of the church’s history, practices, customs, and idiosyncrasies.

The Board is responsible for the church’s outreach.

When a church ceases to care about the spiritual welfare of its community, it has ceased to have a reason for its existence.

The Board is responsible for the church’s Discipleship.

New believers must be placed in small groups or one-on-one relationships in which they can grow in Christ. We bring them in; then we build the up. We rescue them from certain destruction, but then we must disciple them into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

The Board is responsible for the Care of the Congregation.

The board can assist the pastor, through programs of pastoral care, in providing spiritual care and counseling for the members of the congregation.

How are we Doing?

Four Key Roles Every Board Member Must Fulfill!

1) Governors… As governors we sit in meetings and vote. We can vote “yea” or “na”, but in casting our votes, we are governing the Church. Whatever the motive, those who serve on the board govern the direction the church will take.

2) Ambassadors… As ambassadors we are to interpret the mission of the church, defending it when it’s under pressure, representing it to our congregations and communities. Especially when the board makes difficult or unpopular decisions, its role is crucial in helping the congregation to understand those decisions. Board members may also need to defend the pastor when he is under pressure. They can present a united front along with the pastor in steering a clear course for the congregation. They represent the congregation to the board and represent the board to the congregation.

Four Key Roles Every Board Member Must Fulfill!

3) Consultants… Laypersons have skills and experiences the pastor does not have. Equipped with abilities, talents, and proficiencies, can be invaluable in providing counsel and guidance for the pastor and staff of the church.

4) Sponsors… Board members should give financially to the church proportionate to their means. If you are truly “sold out” to the church then Invest in it.

“Young man, You need to understand that I understand that I am a slave to Jesus, and a slave doesn’t have problems. The only thing the slave has to do is what the master asks him. He doesn’t have to be successful, and when you really understand that, all the sudden you don’t have problems anymore. All that is left is the opportunities to see God work.” Quoted from Bill Bright

5 ways to see if you’re an effective Board.

B O A R D

elieve- An effective board will operate by faith rather than Fear.

ptimize- Concentrate on what is possible instead of what is problematic rgue- Provide reason why you are for or against something.

espond- The test of a boards character is how it deals with difficult situations.

ecide- The board has to make well informed decisions.

Come Prepared

Effective Board Meetings

Have all reports read and information studied.

Start with Prayer Seeking Gods will and Wisdom for the meeting.

Have a devotional time Have a clear agenda Information items first, Study Items next, Action items last. (good rule of thumb no item can be an action item unless it has been studied at least one meeting before or is an emergency item.

Wrap up By summarizing the boards action near the end of the board meeting, you give the board members a sense of accomplishment and gives the chair the opportunity to end the meeting on a positive note.

Close with Prayer Time to pray for God to work in the Church and community throughout the next month and other requests

New Board Members

• • Set clear expectations.

meeting attendance requirements- both full board and committee Committee assignments and charges (if applicable) • • • • • • • Provide a Manual Mission Statement Policy manual, if any Minutes of board meetings for the past year Annual Report Audit Report Current Budget Current Financial Report

New Board Members

• • • • • • • Provide a Manual. (Continue) Strategic plan Goals for the year Roster of board members. Including contact information List of board officers List of committee members, including Chairs Annual Calendar of activities and meetings Other