Healthy Board Meetings + Culture
What do board meetings look like? How do you keep the board culture good?
Board meetings are an essential part of leading a church with integrity and accountability. They provide a space to review progress, make key decisions, and keep the mission of the church moving forward. The way you structure and lead these meetings directly shapes the culture of your board.
The first key is to have a clear vision for the agenda and stick to it. A well-prepared agenda keeps the meeting focused, efficient, and productive. Here is a simple structure that works well:
1. Welcome and Prayer
Begin every meeting by grounding the time in God’s presence. A moment of prayer reminds everyone that the purpose of the board is not business alone, but advancing the mission of the church.
2. Review of Previous Meeting
Provide a quick rundown of the last meeting’s discussion and decisions. Send notes to board members ahead of time so they are already familiar with the content. This allows you to keep the recap short and move forward quickly.
3. Ministry Updates
Share key highlights such as Growth Track participation, baptisms, salvations, or other areas of momentum. These reports build excitement and remind the board of the lives being changed through the church’s ministry.
4. Financial Report
Provide a clear and honest update on the church’s finances. Transparency builds trust, and consistency ensures the board is always aware of the church’s financial health.
5. Business Items
Work through the plans, proposals, or challenges that require board input. Present the information clearly, invite questions, and seek alignment before moving forward.
Building a Healthy Culture
A board’s culture thrives when meetings are purposeful, collaborative, and rooted in vision. Avoid getting bogged down in unnecessary details, and instead create space for strategic conversations. Celebrate wins, honor the time of each member, and keep the focus on advancing the mission of the church.
When your agenda is clear and your culture is healthy, board meetings become more than an obligation. They become a place of unity, encouragement, and shared leadership.