How can we be sure that the Holy Spirit is part of our deliberations?
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth." John 14:16
Preamble: Usually, I provide some of the more professional side of discussions relevant to Christian organizations in these e-newsletters. But today, I am choosing to intentionally wear my 'Pastoral Hat' and speak to the spiritual side! OK, here goes:
Let's be honest: How many of your board meetings have been framed by the perfunctory opening with short devotions and the brief closing prayer? I think if all the readers of this e-newsletter were honest, they'd say something like "THE VAST MAJORITY!"
Does such a response indicate that we have somehow found the secret of ensuring the Holy Spirit was truly active during the course of the deliberations? I think not. Instead, I think the 'vast majority" answer indicates we are stuck in a formulaic rut. Ultimately, I think we have to admit that although the devotion and prayer bookends of a meeting are not bad in and of themselves, we could do better to 'invoke' (there's a Christianese word for ya!) the Holy Spirit into our meetings and thus be more confident of His presence.
Let me give you a beautiful framework to ensure just that.
Like the Spirit of God fills the temple, so let your meetings be filled with the following framework – active and available at all times: Silence, Sharing, Scripture, Supplication. All of these actions to be practiced at any time when a board member wishes for them to be.
As Christ sought out times of solitude and silence, so allow your room to be silent – and to listen, sense, and reflect in what God may be conveying. In a western world pushed by a hurried pace to accomplish, leave instead the room for God to whisper something into the spirits of the members of the meeting.
Sharing from all parties in the board room is critical! We honour all the gifts and talents God has placed in the room when everyone has ample opportunity to provide meaningful input. Extroverts need to grant space for others, introverts need to be assertive to not hide their thoughts under a bushel. The Holy Spirit is alive and active through the wisdom of others. Board chair – you can help encourage this behaviour.
Boards need to be certain that their work is grounded in scripture. Besides opening and closing with scripture, encourage everyone to be free to remind the group what Bible texts come to mind when certain conversations are held, decisions made, or challenges faced. Use those bible texts in your motions and minutes as a constant reminder of the roots of your mission.
Last, but not least – supplication, prayer. Make prayer an opportunity to embrace at any point of your meeting, not just at the beginning and end. If you have someone in your meeting or on the board who happens to be a 'prayer warrior' assign them the joyous work of calling the group to pray wherever they feel it is appropriate. In this way, prayer will be attached to everything, not just a ritual.
In my work with boards, I place these 4 S's in several 5 X 7 frames and distribute the frames throughout the room as a reminder. Perhaps you want to put them as a footer on each page of your agenda. Perhaps on the whiteboard. Just make sure you encourage everyone to know that the these spiritual practices are 'live and active' for all, always.
You'll notice the joyous difference when the Holy Spirit is increasingly present!
SHEPHERD'S SPOTLIGHT: Walk As We, Calgary AB
After having represented all Christian Protestant Churches at the roll out of the Truth and Reconciliation Process over 10 years ago, I have always been looking for opportunity to serve on the path of intentional reconciliation alongside Indigenous brothers and sisters. With gratitude to God, our Creator, and in partnership with a new Non-Profit, I and one of my associates (Priska) have received just such a wonderful opportunity. They are known as Walk As We.
Walk as We is a "Christian ecumenical and relational urban ministry (in Calgary) committed to supporting local Indigenous initiatives and fostering healing relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Rooted in friendship and guided by a diverse Christian Steering Committee, we believe education, long-term relationship-building, and meaningful action are essential steps toward reconciliation." They do this through the power of Friendship.
Walk As We was born from the friendship between Indigenous people like Alphonse Nepoose (Samson Cree Nation), Willy Anderson (Cross Lake First Nation) Robbie Daniels, Lovely Hunter (Treaty 7) and the co-founder, Layne Kilbreath. They, with their developing friendships, support Indigenous initiatives and ReconciliACTION. Indigenous initiatives include: Times of Change AA Feeding the Spirit Outreach, Neechi-Mart, Reconciliation Journey Walk 2024 & 2025, AMA ‘HNA ‘BINO WALKS 2025 (SoberCrew), SoberCrew Outreach, and the SoberCrew Women’s Group."
As with other great start-ups such as this, there is organizational work to consider, like forming a board, developing good, honourable governance practices, applying to become a charity, and more – the areas where Shepherd Consulting can serve.
We hope and pray this ministry will flourish and have no reason to think otherwise!
Miigwetch. Amen!
If you are a Christian leader in a charity, school, or church setting, don't hesitate to reach out for support. Truly, as God gives opportunity, we commit to serving well.
Rev. Dr. Darren Roorda (Founder and Principal Consultant) has served in Nonprofit Leadership for over 23 years. He is proud to work with a wonderful group of associates. His roles as Executive Director, International Liaison, Project Manager, Pastor, and even Official Lobbyist have helped hone his education in Leadership, Governance, and Theology.
D. Min., Pro Dir, Partner of The Alliance for Board Effectiveness. Professional Member of the Canadian Centre for Christian Charities.
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email: info@shepherdconsulting.ca
