We’ve been spending time looking at defining reality in our boards (consistory/council). We’ve looked at the culture that shapes our board and at the kind of people who are typically nominated and elected to our council. Many of us will see a need at this point to take some steps forward—especially if we are to fully live into both the … Read More

Charles Olson’s book Transforming Church Boards into Communities of Spiritual Leaders has formed the foundation for this series of blogs. Before we go to the next part of defining reality, it is helpful to get an overview of his book. Charles Olson points out that the two most common complaints by those serving on church councils are: Our board (council/consistory) … Read More

In the previous two posts we looked at naming how the board (council/consistory) works together. What is the culture that shapes the board? Is it strategic, corporate, managerial, etc.? Alongside naming this reality is naming what’s expected of board members. What are the spiritual practices expected of board members? What kind of life do we expect board members to live … Read More

Part of the board’s (Council/Consistory) discernment work is to define the congregation’s present reality. Charles Olson in his book Transforming Church Boards into Communities of Spiritual Leaders points out that the board’s culture is an important area to define reality in. Only when the council names this reality can it move toward becoming a community of spiritual, discerning leaders. In … Read More

Part of the board’s (consistory/council) discernment work is to define the congregation’s present reality. Charles Olson in his book Transforming Church Boards into Communities of Spiritual Leaders points out that the council’s culture is an important area to define reality in. Only when the board names this reality can it move toward becoming a community of spiritual, discerning leaders. Olson … Read More

One of the interesting and perhaps a little bit disturbing realities in congregations seeking their God-given, hope-filled futures is having boards (consistory/council) that pass this critical work off to others because they have more important business to attend to. Passing off the calling of seeing the congregation’s God-given, hope-filled future reminds me of Scrooge and Marly. Scrooge says to Marly, … Read More