What the Chairperson Does Not Do
- Does not lead the organisation → leads the board.
- The board does not report to the chair.
- The CEO works for the board, not for the chairperson.
- Chair is not “first among equals” → has equal status to other board members.
Factors Influencing the Chair’s Role
- Varies by organisation’s age, size, culture, board size, skill sets, etc.
Typical Chairperson Responsibilities
- Coordinate development of the board’s calendar.
- Ensure key items (strategic plan, operating plan, budget, etc.) are addressed.
- Chair board meetings.
- Act as boundary manager between board & management.
- Assist with recruiting & orienting new board members.
- Support the ministry with key stakeholders.
- Overall umbrella role: Lead the board.
Leadership Importance
- Leadership is the greatest factor of organisational success or failure.
- Board leadership is challenging, especially in:
- Nonprofit and faith-based settings.
- Complex missions with few regulations.
- Volunteer-driven boards (volunteers must be led, not managed).
- The role requires a large dose of leadership and, small dose of management.
Defining Leadership
- A leader is a person who influences people to achieve a noble purpose.
- Person – the leader.
- People – those being led (their needs, aspirations).
- Purpose – the noble goal.
- Example: Mark 3:14 – Jesus (person) appointed 12 disciples (people) to preach (purpose).
- Influence = essence of leadership → affecting others through logic, emotion, or collaboration (not force).
Biblical Metaphors of Leadership
- Servant: emphasises humility and service.
- Shepherd (most common): protecting, guiding, nurturing (John 10; Ps. 80; Ps. 78:72).
- Applied to chairperson: shepherding the board, ensuring health and unity.
Closing
- The chairperson leads by serving and shepherding the board.