I recently heard about a Board of an organization that was so divided that some of the members refused to meet in the same room with the others. How could they ever come to a consensus or reach a resolution on anything? Their entire focus would end up being on their infighting instead of on the goals of the organization.

Patrick Lencioni, author of the book, “Overcoming The Five Dysfunctions of a Team”, describes Trust as the foundational element for any Board. He says, “Members of great teams trust one another on a fundamental, emotional level, and they are comfortable being vulnerable with each other about their weaknesses, mistakes, fears, and behaviours. They get to a point where they can be completely open with one another, without filters.” He goes on to say that without this kind of trust teams will live in a fear of conflict and lack commitment, accountability and results.

One of the signs of a healthy church, I believe, is a church whose leadership can both trust God and one another. In the book of Proverbs we read, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Prov 3:5,6). We always begin by putting our trust in God, but then as a Board or a Council we need to learn to trust one another, to be open and honest before one another and to put our own agenda’s aside so that together we can be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit to us and through us.

Serving with you, for Him!

Rob