Governance — Good, Better and Best

Good governance gets better results with best practices. Proven standards beginning with a clear statement of strategic focus and ending with a candid assessment of performance constitute best practices in organizational governance. Christ-centered organizations are no exception. Here is our guiding principle: Governing boards that follow best practices may not be Christ-centered, but Christ-centered boards will follow best practices.

Good reason backs up this principle. First, best practices increase the effectiveness of our ministries. Second, astute major donors will ask about best practices before they give to us. Third, Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are a “letter from Christ…known and read by everybody,” (II Cor. 3:2). A Christ-centered organization is also a letter from Christ that is read far and wide. To have best practices written into the text is an honor to the Author and a witness to the reader.

Is Your Business Plan Biblical?

To be in vogue, Christ-centered organizations must have a credible business plan. This is a far cry from the times when our ministries flew by faith and the seat of our pants. What have we gained? As a guy who prizes rational planning and outcomes, the business plan makes sense. It is rational, strategic, and productive. But what have we lost? When I hear about core values, organizational brands, consumer tastes, market share, competitive advantage, and measurable success, I cannot help but asking, “Are we still in line with Biblical values and the Spirit of Christ?” Bear with me while I ask these follow-up questions.

• Are core values the same as Biblical convictions?
• Is organizational branding reflective of the image of Christ?
• Are consumer tastes equal to our need to confess our sins?
• Is market share consistent with the Great Commission?
• Is competitive advantage synonymous with total sacrifice?
• Does measurable success include the reward for faithfulness?

Words can change us. That is why Paul’s job description for a “workman approved of God” included the responsibility for “rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15). Boards of Christ-centered organizations have the same responsibility. To be approved of God, we may have to make some corrections.

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Lame Ducks

In the field of Christian leadership, we need a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Lame Ducks (SPCLD). Having gone through three transitions of leadership as a lame duck, I think that I would qualify as a charter member. Lame ducks may be leaders who have retired, resigned or been relieved of their CEO position but continue until they have filled out their term or reached the date of their departure. Lame ducks may also be interim CEO’s who continue to serve after their successor has been announced.

John the Baptist is my favorite lame duck. He teaches us almost everything we need to know about “lame-duckism.” To begin, John held the #1 position until his successor came into view. Then, swallowing his pride, he had to accept the #2 position and even introduce the new #1. Yet, in that lesser role, John remained faithful and kept doing what he was called to do even though his followers left him for the new leader. It soon became obvious that he had to get out of the way. The reality of that fact caused him to express his doubts and wonder if his life had been worthwhile. Although reaffirmed by his successor, he still came to the end of his time not knowing how history would judge his leadership.

But wait. When Jesus went across the Jordan to the place where John did his baptism, the people testified, “Though John never performed a miraculous sign, everything he said about this man was true.” Consequently, “In that place many believed in Jesus.” (John 10:41-42). Never underestimate the power of a lame duck. Even though it walks with a limp, it can still fly.