1. What is the issue here?
Martha is assuming that board governance is not necessary for her organization. When Mr. Zhao asks her questions about her board, she wasn’t prepared to answer them. She felt that accountability isn’t important since they have a small staff that makes all the decision. Mr. Zhao wants to be sure that there are others holding Martha accountable to the mission and values of her organization.
2. If you had to summarise Zhao’s perspective in 2-3 sentences, what would you say? What would be his position on ministry boards and why?
Mr. Zhao sees accountability through board governance as an important part of a ministry organization. He feels strongly that there must be people with good, solid life and work experience that will help keep the strategy(s) of the organization in check. Accountability is very important and he wants to make sure that if he invests in Martha’s ministry, that she will be held accountable for the results as well as others in her organization.
3. If you had to summarise Martha’s perspective in 2-3 sentences, what would you say? What would be her position on ministry boards and why?
She thinks they might interfere with her work and that she doesn’t have time to deal with them. She doesn’t want a board telling her what to do and slowing her down. She and her team members already know what to do and don’t need that type of interference. She does not at all understand the purpose of a governing board.
4. What are the 4-5 biggest benefits of a competent, committed board of directors for a faith-based ministry, or any organisation for that matter?
1-Accountability of the CEO/President or other designated leader of the organization
2-Keep the mission and values of the organization “on track”.
3-Confidently recommend others that might financially and in other ways partner with the organization to help move it forward/sustain it.
4-Provide a “sounding board” for new ideas, innovations, and strategies.
5. What are the potential downsides or risks that might be incurred with a board of directors, if any?
If boards are prayerfully and thoughtfully formed, they should be nothing but supportive as a body, to the organization. If the wrong people are asked to be a part of the board, it could reek havoc in the form of personal agendas, etc.