The Missing Board Member

For years, we had church members and staff members serving on Life Church’s board. Once we decided to add other senior pastors, our board became increasingly effective.

If you are developing your own personal board, it could be that you are missing an important person.

Perhaps you are missing:

• A spiritual mentor—The spiritual mentor is one who has walked with Christ longer than you and can help you grow deeper.
• A financial adviser—Even if you are good with money, you’d be wise to seek advice from someone who is great.
• A futurist—All of us need someone who can help us see and create our futures.
• A barrier remover—Some people have the ability to help remove obstacles from our path.
• A connector—Most valuable relationships I have today came from an introduction from a friend. Most of my most strategic ministry friendships can be traced back to a few connectors.
• A spouse—Even though you might be married, you may not be taking advice from your spouse. If you aren’t, start!

Who is missing? What are you going to do about it?

Who is missing at your table?

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Your Informal Board

Marcus Buckingham implied that all of us have an informal board of directors (“informal” is my phrase, not his). These are the people who regularly speak into our lives (although they may or may not even know it).

• Some people are helpful. Others are not.
• Some propel us forward. Others hold us back.
• Some are objective. Others are dangerously biased.

The people closest to us will often determine our destiny.

Who currently serves on your informal board? Do they know the important role they play in your life?

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Your Personal Board of Directors

Life Church has a board of directors to oversee the affairs of the church. This board is comprised of three pastors, three lay people, and five staff members. Each person brings a unique set of gifts and perspectives that are invaluable for our church.

Recently I heard both Marcus Buckingham and Ken Blanchard talk about establishing your own personal board of directors. Instead of just inviting great leaders to speak into your church or ministry, why not establish a board to meet regularly to speak into your life?

This week I’ll write about developing your own personal board of directors.

If you currently do this, I’d love to hear from you.

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The Small Things Ignored

I’ve written about four things that people (or companies) did for us on a recent trip to Florida that made a difference to me. Today I’ll write about a small thing ignored that could have made a difference.

For my daughter’s sixteenth birthday, we ate (for the first time) at a certain restaurant chain.

The waiter botched our order (which is an understandable mistake with eight people to serve). The food came out in three shifts over five minutes apart. Three orders were wrong including mine. Instead of a salad, I received a cheeseburger. Since the food took so long to arrive, I ate the burger instead of waiting for a salad.

When the bill arrived, not only did they not remove any charges for the wrong food, but they overcharged us for two things we didn’t order. When I asked the waiter if he’d remove the overcharged portions, he seemed very put out.

I told him not to worry about it and just decided it would be my first AND last visit.

Admittedly, I’m being a little petty. But in a world of great service, bad service stands out like a sore thumb.

It makes me wonder how often guests might not return to our churches because we didn’t welcome them, help them find a seat, or help them feel comfortable dropping their kids off to complete strangers.

Thoughts?

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How One Prayer is Influencing Churches

Lately I’ve been learning that One Prayer has an influence and reach far beyond what I had ever realized. For some churches, it’s been the impetus to partner with other churches in their community. For others, it’s opened the door to video teaching in their church. And for many others, it’s been a network to plant and support new churches…there are churches around the world that call themselves One Prayer Churches.

For those of you who’ve been a part of One Prayer over the last two years, thank you for making all this possible (and I hope you’re already signed up again for this year!). If you haven’t had the opportunity to participate in One Prayer yet, I strongly encourage you to join us this June. Now is the time to register your church and start making plans.

We just released a new version of OnePrayer.com today to help you make it a great month of unity and outreach at your church. You’ll find new info and resources, so check it out!

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The Small Things: Snacks on the Plane

On our way home from our trip to Florida, we flew Continental Express. With a fast turnaround to connect in Houston to Oklahoma, I knew our family wouldn’t have time to eat.

I was pleasantly surprised when they offered us snack baskets containing trail mix, crackers, cheese spread, M&Ms, and meat.

At possibly $2 to $3 per box lunch, that gesture likely set Continental back $16 to $20 for my family; but that small bonus set them apart from the other airline we flew on earlier. I know times are tight for airlines, but if I’m traveling with my family to Florida again, Continental may earn my business over a small snack pack.

Some of our campuses offer food and drinks to people who worship with us on the weekend. I’ve occasionally wondered about the cost verses the benefit.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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The Small Things: The Gift Basket (and other hospitality)

Celebration Church does a tremendous job hosting. When we arrived to our room, they blessed us with a very thoughtful gift basket.

It was packed with water, snacks, and goodies to munch on. On top of the treats, they gave our kids beach toys, sunscreen, and an underwater camera. Since we were going to stay for four days, they even gave us a gift card to the local grocery store.

When we left, one of their staff members met us at the airport (even though I told him not to) to help us return our van and transport our baggage. I’d never expect that kind of generous treatment but was grateful for their acts of selfless and thoughtful hospitality.

When people visit our churches, I want them to know we were thinking about them before they arrived.

What do you do to make guests feel welcome?

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And the Winners Are…

Today has been packed with all kinds of excitement around the launch of Craig’s book. Mardel was a full house tonight for the launch party—thanks to everyone who stopped by!

Thanks also to the hundreds of you who tweeted, blogged, and commented to enter the book giveaway. We’ll end the suspense right now and announce the 10 winners of The Christian Atheist…

• Stacy Wood Schindler
• Josh Brienen
• John Frey
• Arthur Shadwick
• Vikki Huisman
• Lukas Targosz
• Veronica Brown
• Santos Samayoa
• Stephanie Hennessy
• Frank Cocilovo

Congratulations to all of you! We’ll be in touch to get the book sent out to you.

We hope the rest of you still have an opportunity to read The Christian Atheist! You can order a copy at any one of these booksellers:

Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook.com, and Mardel

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