Christian Leadership Alliance
In the intricate tapestry of nonprofit landscapes, transparency and effective leadership are not mere virtues, but essential threads that weave success and impact. Rooted in Christian values while serving in the broader culture of the United States, organizations find strength in openness, accountability, and ethical conduct. Let’s explore the shared narratives of Christian nonprofits and … Continue reading Transparency and Effective Leadership
The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper. (Prov. 19:8) The fiduciary duty of care requires board members of corporations (including churches) to act in the best interest of the organization and its stakeholders. They must exercise reasonable care and diligence when making decisions on behalf of the … Continue reading Boards and Financial Risk
Now more than ever before, nonprofit leaders must recognize the importance of risk management as an inherent part of organizational oversight and leadership. But what does proper risk management look like, and whose responsibility is it? What does proper risk management look like, and whose responsibility is it? Many nonprofit governing bodies (boards) assume that … Continue reading Risk Management
The year 2023 has brought with it a host of challenges! Rising interest rates, a banking crisis, the ongoing war in Ukraine which shows little sign of ending. The removal of the Speaker of the House, and election of a new Speaker of the House. The threat of a government shutdown. Also, the burgeoning conflict … Continue reading Fiduciary CPR
We live in a world where leaders need to pay a ton of attention. “The devil is in the details,” as they say, so ministry leaders need to be on the lookout for the nooks and crannies where evil can flourish, even within their own ministry! We are all familiar with the stories of organizations … Continue reading Equipping Boards to Protect Ministries
Wise ministry and church leaders don’t ignore risks. They face them head on by regularly identifying and mitigating risks that may threaten their missions. But could it be that even for those with the best intentions, we’re missing one of the most significant and fundamental risks of all? I’m not referring here to the familiar … Continue reading Elevating Leader Care
As organizations and boards, we face a risk that is greater than any other, and more damaging than fiscal or legal ones. Often hidden until it’s too late, the poisonous effect of frail leadership character cries out for risk mitigation. We all can list the names of Christian leaders who have crashed, and we hear … Continue reading Poison in the Soil
If you could write the perfect fundraising job description for your board members, what would you include? Many board members are not aware of the full extent of their fundraising responsibilities. Approving the budget is not only a fiscal decision, it is also a fundraising decision! Ultimately, the board is accountable for achieving the funding … Continue reading The Fundraising Board Member
Anyone who has followed the news over the last few years knows that organizations have seemingly been hit with one scandal after another. Scandals, of course, are not new. However, to many observers, recent years have felt different – more scandals involving the CEO, more often at venerated organizations, and therefore more often hitting the … Continue reading Entrusted with Accountability
In 2019, I was reading the ECFA’s Four Challenges for Governance Boards survey results authored by Warren Bird, Ph.D. With a tagline that stated, “Many Boards Unprepared for the Future,” I read the synopsis with interest. From a survey of 1,662 CEOs, board chairs, and board members of ECFA-accredited ministries, challenge number one was CEO … Continue reading Challenge Number One: Your CEO Succession
