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This update is an adaptation of the Generis Generosity Year-End Focus resource. If you didn’t get one, email me, and I will get you a copy.
Many churches give attention to generosity at year-end due to tax deadlines and the Christmas season. If you need a copy or link to that resource, just let me know.
But what else should the board consider for the calendar year-end?
My work focuses on helping church leaders tame their wicked, sticky issues to make good progress. Having a robust board to add leadership strength to a church team is essential. But it is also the most neglected aspect.
But there are some things we can do to prepare now for a better 2022.
Consider the following diagram –
(The circle in the middle is a reminder that we MUST consider our year-end giving initiative. To not take advantage of a “giving season” for kingdom purposes is a mistake very few make. But some do :) )
But what else should a board be thinking as we approach the end of the year?
It is useful for a board to take some time to reflect on the past year, and plan its work for next year with the goal of increasing the church’s overall health and strength.
Let’s divide up the components into the four quadrants above. Forward Focus means those that are future-focused – items that we should consider now to get an idea for our future. Hygiene at the bottom are items that we need to do regularly to maintain good health for our organization.
In the final months of 2021, you may not need to address all of these, but some could be useful.
Let’s start in Quadrant 1 – Forward Focused, but short term – meaning we can set these for the following year.
Unique Offerings for 2022 – Will we have any denominational or local causes that we want to support in 2022 that need a particular emphasis?
Designated Funds Policy Review – When was the last time you examined this? Where will you allow givers to select special gifts in 2022?
Forward Agenda – Have we outlined for each month, or regular meeting of the board, the area of the church we need a report and deep dive on?
Quadrant 2 – Hygiene Focused, short-term.
What is our board self-evaluation? – How do we grade our work, communication, and effectiveness. This is an oft-neglected component of healthy boards.
Evaluation of the Senior Pastor - Do we have a well-understood process for this task? A board doesn’t have to do it this season, but make sure you have a suitable method.
Audit – Large churches need a management letter or financial audit process every year. When was the last time we did this? Have we selected the auditor for 2021 financial reviews?
RACI – Do we need to relook at who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, or Informed in our congregation for various decisions?
The other two quadrants after the ad…
What is the state of your board? Does it add strength and help your church become more robust?
A good board should help give continual strength to your church.
It should have a healthy relationship with the pastor, staff, and each other.
Many good churches struggle here. And most often, there is a story attached to that struggle.
But your board can be better. The church’s board - whatever you call it - can add strength, connections, leadership power, and other core strengths in addition to governance.
Is it time to have a conversation about Building a Better Board? Reach out to me directly at dave.travis@generis.com
IF YOU ARE AN EXECUTIVE PASTOR of a larger U.S. based church
Generis and several partners are conducting a wide-scale, brief survey right now. It takes less than 8 minutes to complete and if you do it this week, there is a financial incentive to complete it if you qualify.
Go here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Generis2022ExecutivePastorForward
Back to the main story…
Quadrant 3 – Hygiene Focused, Long Term
Culture Reset – Have any recent developments or a pandemic negatively changed our congregational culture? How can we address those in the next year? We won’t find a solution in a meeting, but we need to decide if this is a priority for 2022.
Next Generations Ministry – With changes in volunteer culture within most churches and changing parental expectations, do we need a rework of this ministry?
Residency and Intern Program – Are we missing opportunities to start or rework our leadership development programs? Should we plan to update or launch this area in 2022 to reach younger generations and train new kingdom leaders?
Quadrant 4 – Forward Focused, Long Term
These are items to examine to determine whether or not we should address them in 2022.
Strategy Reset – Do we have a straightforward next chapter story articulated for our church that empowers people at all levels to accomplish the mission? If we don’t, should we work on this in 2022?
Site Evaluation – For multisite churches, how do we evaluate our current site strategy effectiveness? Do we need to review and refresh in 2022? [Most multisite churches need these every four years minimum.]
Board Development Plan – How are we identifying, training, and selecting future board members for the future? Do we have a straightforward process?
Senior Pastor Succession Review – Do we have our emergency plan well understood by the board? When should we start thinking about our longer-term plan for Senior Pastor Smart Succession?
Capital or One Fund Campaign? – Now is the time to consider the financial provisions needed for the church’s next chapter of ministry? Do we need to engage with Generis to give us counsel in this area to determine our best course?
Which area does your board need to consider in 2022 as it looks to the future? Should we schedule a time to get input on those items?
My guess is that you need to think seriously about ONE or TWO in each quadrant. A good board plans its work and focus.
You can’t do all of them, but you can work down a checklist to determine what will need work for the future. You may even decide - these are for 2022 and we will do these in 2023 based on your church’s situation.
I stand ready to help if you want to kick around a few ideas. Just reach out for a call. Email me directly at dave.travis@generis.com.
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