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One of the topics I often address in board development workshops is the concept and practice of establishing a model for board member succession. However the transition of board members happens—whether normally, based on the expiration of the defined term, in crisis due to disciplinary reasons or in the event of the resignation, or death of a board member—your board policy should clearly lay out the procedure for the board to follow in each of these situations.
It struck me the other morning while reading Acts 1, that God’s Word provides us with a great example of board succession in a crisis involving the sudden death of a board member (one whom if he had survived would have been removed for disciplinary reasons, I might add!).
The situation unfolds in Acts 1:12 when Peter addresses the gathered disciples and presents the fact that Judas has essentially failed as a “board member” and is now dead, ending the explanation by quoting from Psalm 109:8, “May another take his place of leadership.”
Peter then clearly establishes the requirement; “It’s necessary to choose a replacement.” He goes on to list the required qualifications of the replacement, and once that is done, solicits names from the remaining disciples. The qualifications stated that the new apostle be someone who had been a disciple from the very beginning, from his baptism by John until the Ascension of Christ.
The reason for this was simple; the new apostle must have been a witness to Jesus’ resurrection. He must have followed Jesus, stayed with him when He made enemies and believed in Him when he spoke of the cross and taught teachings that had made others leave.
Likewise, your policy should state the requirements for being considered for the role of a board member, which include a depth of faith in Christ that is bearing fruit, a relationship with and desire to serve the organization, and perhaps active membership in a church. In this case, two names are brought forth, Joseph called Barsabbas and Matthias.
What happens next is a critical yet often neglected step in the process. Acts 1:24 says “Then they prayed.” If there is one area that often falls by the wayside during Board meetings with very full agendas, it is prayer. We should be bathing every aspect of our role as board members, our organization and our leaders in prayer. I’ll sound a little radical here and even propose that more might be accomplished in our organizations if all we did was pray during our meetings!
It is important to note that they prayed specifically, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this ministry…” Matthias was chosen and interestingly we never hear another word in scripture about Matthias or Joseph called Barsabbas, a perfect example of the perfect board member.
Operating behind the scenes, working for the organizations good and for God’s glory and not their own glory, they set us an example to follow.
The key to all of this is the process. Do you have a process in place that covers this eventuality in a way that is orderly and repeatable? Can it survive scrutiny from outside agencies as well as from within the organizations association or constituents?
In Colossians 2:5, Paul writes to a church that has never met him and he tells them two things he appreciates about them. “For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.” I pray that your organization is characterized by those same two descriptors: orderly, and firm in your faith in Christ!
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Have you ever felt the pull to full-time ministry work as a missionary or pastor? If not, you can still make a Kingdom impact without quitting your current job. In this eBook, you will learn the four essentials that can change your perspective of work, your workplace, and most importantly, your heart.
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