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THE YFC BOARD MEMBER HANDBOOK Maximizing Your Effectiveness on the Youth for Christ Board by Dave Coleman National Field Director/Pacific Northwest

The contents of this handbook are the property of Youth for Christ/USA, and may not be reproduced or distri-buted in any form without the prior written permission of the Youth for Christ National Service Center.

Copyright © 2003 Youth for Christ/USA. All rights reserved.

THE YFC BOARD MEMBER HANDBOOK

Contents

INTRODUCTION Error! Bookmark not defined.

JOINING UP Error! Bookmark not defined.

THE BIG PICTURE Error! Bookmark not defined.

THE BOARD MEMBER 9

THE BOARD 11

THE BOARD MEETING 14

FAITH-DRIVEN MINISTRY Error! Bookmark not defined.

WHEN CHALLENGES ARISE 19

MAXIMIZING BOARD MEMBERSHIP 22

LEADERSHIP 24

THE BOARD CHAIRPERSON Error! Bookmark not defined.

CONNECTING OTHERS TO YFC 29

APPENDIX 31


INTRODUCTION For anyone who has ever joined a board, it is almost universally true that the actual experience wasn't exactly what was expected. In fact, all too often there have been some great surprises once board membership began.

With this opportunity to serve on the Youth for Christ board, wouldn't it be great if you could have a really good conversation about what to expect? Yes, you may have talked to someone, but you forgot some of the questions you wanted to ask, or the person you talked to didn't have all of the answers. Well, this handbook is an attempt to provide that conversation.

Because this publication reflects the work of leaders from the YFC National Service Center who have had a lot of experience with boards, every attempt has been made to paint the best picture possible. Will you find your local YFC board to be just like what has been described? Likely, it won't be. In some ways it may be even better. Or you may see that the board and YFC need some work. That's where you come in.

Whatever is ahead, being on the Youth for Christ board will be an adventure. The journey of following Jesus Chr-ist is always an adventure, and being on the YFC board is part of the journey. The friendships you will make, the decisions you will be a part of, the problems you help tackle, the vision you will have for reaching more kids, and the many times you pray and trust God, will all be part of the adventure.

It is our hope that The YFC Board Member Handbook will serve as a reliable guide for your journey, that it will make your trip more enjoyable, and that it will help you in being a part of the incredible YFC mission and ministry of reaching young people for Christ on campus and in the community.


CHAPTER ONE JOINING UP No one joins a board without being asked. That's certainly true in Youth for Christ. Someone thought you would make a good board member, so you were asked to join up in the cause of reaching young people for Jesus Chr-ist.

At the same time, we're sure that you had some questions running through your mind. "Why should I join the board? What do I have to offer? What's in it for me? What should I expect?" There may be more.

"Why should I join the YFC Board?" That's the most important question. And for everyone, the answers are al-ways unique. Perhaps you know from personal experience that YFC's style of reaching kids with the gospel is desperately needed these days. It's the kind of ministry that reached you. Or, maybe you have children who are involved, and this makes it a good time to serve on the board. There's an excellent chance that you are pretty passionate about the YFC mission, you have strong feelings about the need for our young people to know Jesus Christ. For you the time is right to serve God, and you want it to be in a ministry that will make a big difference. There are other places where God is at work, but Youth for Christ fits you right now.

Whatever your answer is, we hope that at the center of your reasons is a belief that this is something God wants you to do right now.

At the same time, you may have been struck by the question, "What do I have to offer?" Again, the YFC board thought that you could offer something special to Youth for Christ. That's the way it is. Everyone who serves comes and makes their own unique contribution.

You come with your sphere of influence, your strengths and gifts, your wisdom, and your love for Jesus Christ and young people. Board membership should tie all of those things together. As a result, your contribution will make a difference.

Another question is always there, though we don't always acknowledge it. We ask, "What's in it for me?" After all, to be a board member you are going to have to give something else up in order to serve well. So you need a good answer.

We think that ultimately you will receive the satisfaction of serving God and making a difference in the lives of young people. When God changes young lives, great things will happen.

Being on the board is every bit as important as what some other folks do on the front lines of campus and com-munity ministry. In fact, a great YFC board is vital to a growing healthy ministry.

Finally, you may wonder. "What should I expect?" If you have already served on other boards, you may have some ideas.

You can expect to be a part of something really important. You will discover some very dedicated staff mem-bers. At times you will be awestruck by their faith and commitment. But in the end, it will be the ministry that will bring you great satisfaction.


You will serve with some other Christian men and women. We think they will become an important part of your life in Christ.

Then there are the meetings, the business. Expect times to pray and dream about the future. Make plans, short-term goals and long-range strategies. Then be a part of making those happen, always asking, "How are we doing?" Expect some lively discussion, times of disagreement, and in the end, coming together to make the right decisions. There will be policy setting, staff issues, financial considerations, major purchasing decisions, and fund-raising. Balancing what you think is "good business" with being a faith-driven ministry where trust in God is critical, will challenge you.

You can also expect some work on a committee or task force. Some of these assignments require an ongoing commitment, while others are of limited duration. Board development, the annual budget, YFC banquet, person-nel, and facilities would be examples of these volunteer roles that come with board membership.

Hopefully, you will also see the ministry first-hand. There is nothing that lights one's fire like actually seeing and being a part of vital youth ministry!

There may be some valleys as well. In real life things don't always go as expected. Sometimes we face serious trials and tribulations as we do God's work. You may find some of those times in YFC.

But in the end, what gets done will transcend all of the business that you do. It will be worth every minute of it. God is in this thing.

So joining up is really important. Good board members are of great value. Youth for Christ wouldn't be going an-ywhere without the nearly 2000 men and women who have already said "yes" to being on a YFC Board of Direc-tors.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

How important is it to you that we reach lost young people for Jesus Christ?

Do you have a personal conviction that God wants you to serve on the YFC board?

Are you ready to be seriously committed to the YFC ministry and the work of the board in the days ahead?


CHAPTER TWO

THE BIG PICTURE

Whenever you go on a trip to some new place, having a roadmap is a good idea. It offers the big picture, shows you where you are and how to get where you are going. A roadmap helps make each section of highway and the scenery along the way a little more important. There is nothing like having the big picture.

This is so true in Youth for Christ. What YFC and its campus and community ministries are doing in your city isn't happening all by itself. It is a part of something large, ministry that is happening all over America, as well as the world. Did you know that YFC has Chapters in over 200 cities in the United States, and that this number is growing all the time? Or were you aware that YFC ministers in nearly 100 nations round the world. In fact, the sun never sets on YFC ministry!

So just what is YFC all about? Youth for Christ is an international movement of men, women, and young people, who are committed to reaching their world for Jesus Christ. Our focus is on adoles-cents, ages 11 to 19.

Our vision, and this is what we dream about, is that as a part of the body of Christ, we want to see every young person in every people group in every nation have an opportunity to become a follower of Jesus Christ and become part of a local church.

We know that we are simply a part of that effort. So our mission then is to participate in the body of Christ in responsible evangelism of youth, presenting them with the person, work and teachings of Christ and discipling them into a local church.

YFC is deeply committed to youth evangelism, discipleship, and the development of young Christian leaders who will go and impact their world, both today and in the future. YFC carries out its ministries on the campus (Campus Life at the senior high, junior high and middle school, as well as supporting student-led on-campus clubs), in the community (City Life, Youth Guidance, Teen Parents) with the church (offering major student and leader training conferences, networking with churches, and partner-ing in ministry).

YFC is a wonderful story. Ever since it all began back in 1944 with such pioneers as Torrey Johnson, Billy Graham, Bob Pierce, and others, YFC has been a grass roots movement that has blazed a unique story in each place it has organized and set out to reach kids with the gospel. The Youth for Christ leg-acy is large, it goes on today, and as a board member, you are a part of it.

That leads to a question about how YFC fits into God's kingdom work. As an evangelical ministry, YFC leaders have always seen themselves as a part of something larger. God is at work through his church as expressed in a wide variety of local churches, denominations, theological traditions, worship styles, and ministries. YFC fits into that mix, as God's people come together from a variety of backgrounds to find a way to go beyond their own structures and confines to accomplish great things among young people for God's glory. YFC has enjoyed a special freedom to minister on our campuses, in our com-


munities, reaching lost youth wherever they are found. Doing so with the church has always been the YFC way.

We also value the work of like-minded ministries — Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Young Life, Student Ven-ture, and others — with whom we share a common commitment to reach young people.

We face a daunting challenge, one that we cannot accomplish alone.

What does YFC look like beyond our city? Like we said, YFC works out of over 160 Chapter affiliates around the country. This means that YFC impacts well over 1500 cities, towns, and suburbs.

The YFC National Service Center is located in Denver, Colorado, and operates under the leadership of a national board of directors, a president, and service center staff. Not only do many of the national board lay trustees have local board experience, each YFC region has a local YFC staff member who serves on the board. This helps assure a sensitive ear to the needs of the field.

Working hard to connect to the local Chapters, YFC utilizes its Regional Field structure under the leadership of a team of National Field Directors. They become the closest link between the national organization and the minis-try of your Chapter.

This leads to the question, how is the local YFC Chapter connected to the national movement? As a grass roots organization, each local YFC Chapter is incorporated within its own state, gains their non-profit status with the IRS through YFC, has a governing board, and becomes a YFC Chapter affiliate through the signing of the YFC Charter Covenant. This agreement spells out the specifics and requirements for being part of the national organi-zation. That means that local autonomy is limited, there is a large measure of conformity in how we are orga-nized and carry out our ministries, outside accountability is provided, resources are available to each communi-ty, and everyone is linked together in a way that helps us find strength in interdependence.

Full-time YFC staff members are connected to the organization by gaining and maintaining YFC Staff Credentials. Helping that to happen is the YFC BluePrint Training System for instruction, mentoring, and study that helps staff members gain excellence in ministry and leadership.

Through all of this, local YFC Chapters have a growing degree of accountability, input into the national move-ment, and services that make running a local YFC ministry easier and more effective.

As for YFC Internationally, Youth for Christ/USA is just one member nation in Youth for Christ International. The world headquarters is split between the United States (YFC International Ministries in Denver) and the home nation of the international president of YFCI.

YFC in the United States is highly committed to international ministries through its World Outreach office that sends United States staff members worldwide to serve YFC in other nations, and Project Serve, the historically successful YFC mission trip program. All YFC staff members are urged to experience some international minis-try, and many YFC Chapters are financially committed to support ministry in one of the YFC member nations.

So you can see that as a local YFC board member you are part of something much larger than Youth for Christ in your own community. Welcome!


PERSONAL REFLECTION

Do you have a better idea of what YFC is all about?

Will you be committed to insuring that your YFC Chapter is faithfully committed to meeting all of the require-ments of the Charter Covenant, YFC Chapter Standards of Excellence, and the local ministry that leads toward accomplishing what God has called all of us to?

Will you pray that God will bless the entire movement of YFC, and that young people worldwide will be reached with the gospel?


CHAPTER THREE THE BOARD MEMBER Let's go back again to describe what we were looking for in recruiting you. For one thing, we were not simply looking for a warm body to serve on the board. We're sure you qualify on that count, but you have so much more to offer. On the other hand, we know that there are no perfect board members who are great at everything they do. So we are happy with a group of people who come with dedication and commitment, and who make their own special contributions to the work of the board.

We look for men and women who love Jesus Christ, who care deeply about young people, are committed to a local church, care for their family and friends, have influence with others, do well in their business, professional, church and community obligations, and who are people of integrity. It also helps if they have some measure of control over their own time.

In a nutshell, we are looking for people who are faithful. So you've been asked to serve on the YFC Board of Di-rectors.

Are there specific expectations of me? Yes, and every YFC Chapter will be specific about what they are. They will revolve around board attendance, committee participation, fund- raising activities, connections to ministry and staff, and your own financial commitment to YFC. You will also be counted on to pray regularly for the staff and ministry.

Another question is usually on a board member's mind. What about fund-raising? Most members get a little nervous about this, so more specifics are in order. Here it goes. Boards don't raise money. Board members do! Boards do some very special leadership and governance work, but as a unit, they don't raise money. Only board members as individuals can do that. Of course, they may work in connection with other board and staff mem-bers, but it will only happen when each person makes their own special effort. In that role, you are wearing a "volunteer hat."

To help you breathe a little easier, we understand that each board member is unique and will find his or her own way of helping raise funds. Apart from formal fund-raising events (golf tournaments, banquets, auctions, etc.) very few people are comfortable asking for contributions.

So it is important that you use your influence, connect YFC staff members to the right people, and if possible, go along on an appointment. Have your director tell the YFC story and do the "ask" so your friend can be a part of this ministry, as well. In a real sense, you are giving others the opportunity to a part of something that is very important to you.

Many board members are involved in telephone campaigns to call YFC donors just to say thank you for their support, give them a brief update on the ministry, and ask if we can pray for them in any way. Those can be personally rewarding minutes.

We will try to not put you in an awkward situation, but we will expect you to find a way to be involved that fits you well.

What other ways can you be involved? Someone said that board members offer "time, talent, and treasure." All of those are unique. One's business and professional experience may provide an opportunity to be of help.


Membership in a church or service club would make you a gatekeeper to people of influence. Some board mem-bers like to find ways to make use of some of God's blessing for the purposes of ministry—a cabin by the lake for a staff retreat, a ski boat used at a Campus Life event, a van to haul kids to a camp, an office with a lot of phones for a thank you campaign, a home with a swimming pool for a staff party, unused frequent flier airline miles to get staff to a YFC conference, and the list goes on.

Think hard about ways you could make your own special contribution to the board and YFC ministry! You will be glad that you did.

In the end, you will enjoy membership on the board to the degree you get involved. Like every organization, some members will be more involved than others. But in every case, we look for board members who will be committed and make a difference.

As for what you will do as a part of the board of directors that is the subject of the next chapter.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Are you comfortable with the expectations for membership on the YFC board?

Are you committed to financial support for the YFC ministry?

Are there some unique ways that you can be involved as an individual board member?


CHAPTER FOUR

THE BOARD What does the board do in Youth for Christ? As a new YFC board member, picture yourself wearing two hats. One is the board hat, and the other is a volunteer hat. While wearing the board hat you are part of a group of people who pray, dream, discuss, ask hard questions, make decisions, and ultimately act as one unit. In es-sence, you are a part of a group that leads and governs the ministry of Youth for Christ in your community.

But board members also act as individuals, making their own special contribution outside of the board business meeting. When doing this, you wear your volunteer hat. At this point, you are called on to roll up your sleeves and go to work.

Board members in larger YFC Chapters can expect to spend more time wearing the board hat. These boards are confronted with a lot more governing issues, while at the same time, they have the staff to handle all of the daily management of the organization.

Smaller YFC Chapters have a lot less business to do, so members frequently change hats in the course of their regular meeting. After conducting their business they change hats, and move on to helping run the organization, raising money, and offering their expertise since their staff is limited and may have less management expe-rience.

With the "two hat" theory in mind, let's move to the meaning of board governance. Non-profit board authority John Carver speaks of the "means" and the "ends" as the two essential activities of an organization. He says that boards concern themselves with the "ends"—the mission, strategic plan, goals, and accomplishments. On the other hand, the staff is involved with the "means"—the day-to-day management and ministry. So the board for-mally sets the direction and determines the boundaries within which the staff operates (budgets, policies, etc.) With that in place, the staff is free to carry out the ministry.

Again, in varying ways, board members help out with the "means," or what Carver would call staff work. How-ever, board members do this as volunteers.

Because the "ends" are very important, the board has two essential tasks: representing its stakeholders and providing leadership. Board members then go on to make their own individual contribution.

The board represents the stakeholders of YFC, those who have a vested interest in Youth for Christ's ministry. This begins with faithfulness to Jesus Christ, and our sure foundation found in the written word of God. Next comes accountability to the Youth for Christ organization and the requirements of the Charter Covenant. Follow-ing that are the young people of the community (including lost youth whom we are committed to reach), our donors, churches, the community-at-large, and the government. YFC has an obligation to all of its stakeholders.

In the end, the YFC board sees that the Chapter conducts itself in a legal, prudent, ethical, biblical, and spiritual manner. In other words, the board is there to make sure we walk our talk.

Next the board provides leadership. In setting out the purpose, objectives and overall plans, it creates the "ends." With policies, fiduciary management, and "executive boundaries" the conditions are created for the staff to operate with the greatest effectiveness.

Finally, individual board members utilize their own "time, talent and treasure" as volunteers.


This leads to the six roles of the YFC board as they set out to govern the local YFC Chapter.

Guard the Youth for Christ Identity. This answers the key question, "Who are we?" The board must make certain that the Chapter stays true to what defines YFC: the Word of God, our Statement of Faith, the YFC vision, mission and ministry, the Five Essentials, our values, and our history. To do less is to compromise the integrity of who we are.

Commit Youth for Christ to Accomplishment. The board must always be asking the question, "How are we doing?" This is part of what it means to be concerned about "ends." The most important matter is whether or not your Chapter is accomplishing the YFC mission. Are goals being met? Are you on budget? Is your director providing comprehensive reports about the ministry? What do staff members have to say? From first hand expe-rience, what does the ministry look like to you? How does your Chapter stack up against the YFC standards and regular assessments?

Focus Youth for Christ on the Future. The question is now, "Where are we going?" As one writer says about successful people, "They begin with the end in mind." YFC has to do that as well. So it is helpful to create a 5-10 year strategic plan, with 2-3 year strategic initiatives, one year goals, and specific action plans. Future plans must correspond to the YFC mission, with specific local goals that become part of the YFC national goal. Once the future is in focus, then you have a basis for being sure that you are accomplishing your objectives.

Define your Staff-Board Relationships. The answer must be clear on how the executive director (staff) and board work together. Only the executive director should report to the board, while the staff report to the director. The director needs a written job description, and linked to that, should be some up-to-date key measurable ex-pectations that everyone has agreed upon. Executive boundaries should be created (see next point), and these should be followed. Each year there must be a carefully crafted annual performance review. The board will es-tablish a compensation plan. From time to time, the board needs to give thought to leadership succession.

Operate with Governing Policies. The question is, "What boundaries should define the work of the staff?" Essentially there should be a set of board policies for the organization, and they should include clear executive boundaries, or as John Carver calls them, "executive limitations." Once these are followed, the director and staff are free to do their work. Some of the areas covered include policies on funding, financial management (including the budget), personnel, risk management, and program. Based on these, the staff as management should create further policies and procedures to operate the operation of the organization. The director should always notify the board when YFC is operating outside of those limitations, and steps should be taken to correct the situation. The board will then be able to take whatever steps necessary to make correc-tions. From time to time, the board should also conduct periodic audits to insure conformance as part of their ongoing responsibilities.

Develop Board Strength. "Is the board strong?" That question need always be answered in the affirmative. The board must have a clear governing philosophy and style, defined roles and job descriptions, membership criteria, expectations for members, officers, committees, and a code of conduct.

An ongoing committee should give their full attention to keeping the board strong. Membership size should be maintained. New members need to be added as needed. Orientation and training should be offered. Prayer times


are essential. Social gatherings with board members and their spouses will provide important fellowship and bonding as a group. A retreat, at least every other year, will also add to board strength. When the board is represented at national and regional YFC events for board and staff members, the board will also be made stronger. Without this attention, board members loose their vitality over time.

You can now see that the role of the board is crucial! Any executive director that has enjoyed working with an effective, involved, and supportive board knows what a difference it makes in carrying out the mission of reach-ing youth for Christ.

The director knows he or she is not alone in shouldering the responsibilities of Youth for Christ. Boards make sure that YFC is going forward, that it works, and that there is protection against missteps that could harm the ministry. As one executive director said, "I'm glad that the board asks hard questions of me, and that we are all in this ministry together."

Board members are also there, involved, making things happen, using their influence, and offering prayer and encouragement.

This should provide a clear picture of what the role of the board is all about. How effectively it all works will now depend on how well you do your part. Together, you and your fellow board members working with God's help should make your board into a vital part of the work of bringing young people along on the journey of following Jesus Christ.

Please, don't take your work as a board member lightly. It is an important responsibility in God's kingdom.

PERSONAL REFLECTION Do you understand the idea of board members wearing two hats?

Can you articulate the six roles of the board?

Are you discovering the unique way that you contribute to the work of the board and YFC?


CHAPTER FIVE

THE BOARD MEETING What should be expected at board meetings? After all, the meetings are what most people think of when they consider serving on a board. In fact, that's why some people won't serve. They think board is spelled "b-o-r-e-d." And too often they may be right.

In Youth for Christ we'll try to be sure that's not the case. When a YFC Chapter is really humming, the board meeting will be a real delight.

If there is one secret to great board meetings it is the "tense" within which YFC operates. Yes, you will operate in the present tense, but a really effective ministry lives in the future tense as well. There are dreams about reaching more young people that have been translated into plans. Prayers are offered that God will work mi-racles in the lives of kids, and that he will provide all of the leaders, funding, and other resources that will be needed to push ahead. All the while, the board is asking, "How are we doing?"

On the other hand, when an organization gets stuck doing the same things it has always done and is never growing, it only lives in the present. Worse than that occurs when the Chapter operates in the past tense. There are two ways this happens. Spending most of your time reliving the "good old days" is one way. The other is falling behind financially. In this mode the board spends a lot of its time trying to figure out how YFC will pay for the past, getting out of debt so it can finally get around to the present. That is no fun.

If YFC operates in the present and the future, board meetings really do include all of the six roles mentioned in the previous chapter. They do focus on the future, on the end results, on accomplishing the YFC mission. Then the business of budgets, policies, major purchases, hiring, and everything else the board does will make sense.

You will see that in the meetings, as everyone follows an agenda that has been prepared ahead of time by your board chair and director.

The board meetings can really be good as you come ready to work. You may be asking, "How can I contribute to the success of the board?" Here are ten suggestions you can use to help make your board meetings really great.

Mark the board's meeting dates on your calendar for a full year so you can avoid unnecessary conflicts.

Make attending a priority. If for some reason you can't attend, call the office and ask to be excused.

Arrive on time and stay to the end.

Pray for YFC and the work of the board.

Participate, knowing that on some issues you will bring extra insights to the discussion and decision-making.

Come prepared, having completed any assignments you or your committee have committed to

Don't be afraid to ask hard questions that relate to the discussion at hand.

Don't waste time on mundane day-to-day management issues, matters that require staff action rather than board decisions. Sometimes you may want to discuss a matter with your director outside of the regular board meeting.

Keep your eye on the mission, your goals, and plans, and most importantly, what God is up to in your midst.


At the end, be sure next steps are clear so you will know what you, the board, and staff are supposed to be doing to follow-up on the work done at the meeting.

Expect the board chair to lead the meeting and keep everyone on task, following the protocol of how your group conducts its business. Expect too that one of the roles of the board chair is to hold the board members account-able for their commitments to committee work and assignments outside of the board meeting.

You may now be asking, "What about committees?" Every board does this a little bit differently. Some utilize ongoing standing committees, while others use task forces that operate for a limited time to accomplish a job or project, or to help make some decision. Either way, a lot of good board work gets done at this level.

For sure, there should be a standing committee that serves to keep the board strong—adding and orienting new members, being sure there are training opportunities, and building a sense of community into the life of the board.

Here is one more idea that more and more boards are following. Create an annual board calendar with two types of meetings. You can do this with ten meetings a year.

The first type of meeting is focused on getting a lot of important business done. It can be held three times a year, and will last 5-6 hours. Fall, winter, and late spring, are important times for these meetings. In fact, the fall meeting can focus on ministry, making winter a time of evaluation and planning, and spring serving as an annual meeting with elections and budget passage.

In seven other months the meetings will last 60-90 minutes and will focus on the ongoing work of the ministry, immediate business, and ample time to pray and rejoice in what God is doing.

The board should do one of those extended meetings in a retreat setting at least every other year. Retreats pro-vide the time to build greater cohesion as a team, allow for Christ centered healthy relationships to develop, and make possible the space to appropriately do God's work on the board. An annual social event with spouses for the board and staff is another great way to connect everyone.

Each board will work out a schedule that works best for its members and the needs of their ministry.

Not all board meetings will be great ones. Sometimes a meeting may be a real struggle. But most should be productive, energizing, and meaningful.

Important to the board meeting's success will be you. As the Bible says, "iron sharpens iron." A team of good board members working and praying together will build up your own life in Christ and will result in significant ministry in the lives of young people in your community.

PERSONAL REFLECTION Do you view YFC board participation as a part of your service to Christ, thus making your attendance and

involvement a top priority?

Do you pray for YFC, your fellow board members, and the work that you do together?

Are you doing everything in your power as a board member to be sure your YFC board is improving living in the present and future tenses?


CHAPTER SIX

FAITH-DRIVEN MINISTRY A couple of businessmen were talking about their board experience. "You just can't let a group of preachers run this thing. We'll never make ends meet!" About the same time, one of the preachers expressed a measure of exasperation about the board, saying, "Those businessmen just don't understand ministry!" Who is right? Both. A ministry is not a business that is measured by the bottom line of profits. At the same time, the financial bot-tom line cannot be ignored. But there is a difference in the organization that is a faith-driven ministry. Youth for Christ is a faith-driven ministry.

What makes a faith-driven ministry, particularly YFC, different? There are a number of answers that we will briefly explore.

First, the bottom-line is different. For a business, the bottom line is ultimately the financial statement. Was there a profit? In a non-profit program, it is still necessary to take in more money than you spend. But that is not the first priority. It is the accomplishment of your mission.

Management thinker Peter Drucker, in his book “Managing the Nonprofit Organization: Principles and Practices,” writes, "… mission comes first. Non-profit institutions exist for the sake of their mission. They exist to make a difference in society and in the life of the individual. They exist for the sake of their mission, and this must never be forgotten." From the standpoint of finances, he makes it clear that performance is crucial. The organization's mission must be accomplished. He clarifies this by saying, "The non-profit does not get paid for performance. But it does not get money for good intentions, either."

In a Christian ministry, the mission must be derived from God's calling, likely meaning that it will also have a scriptural basis. For Youth for Christ, it is the great commission that Jesus offered:

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the every end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV)

This is the reason the board must be concerned about guarding the identity of YFC, always asking how we are doing, and looking at where we are going. Is YFC accomplishing its mission of reaching young people for Jesus Christ?

Second, we don't make a profit. Profits are revenue over expenses that get invested back into the business, held in reserve, or passed on to the owners. But in a non-profit, no money goes to the owners for there are none. Funds are held in reserve for future programs. That is why if there are reserves they are set aside for cash flow needs, emergencies, and future opportunities. If the fund balance ever gets too large, and that is rare, it will be poured back into God's work.

Third, we are always concerned with stewardship. We like to stretch a dollar as far as possible. In part that's because we have had to, being passionately driven by the need to expand our mission and ministry to as many kids as we can. We don't want to be wasteful, spending money on that which is unnecessary. On the other


hand, we don't want to become wasteful with our time trying to save a few dollars either. A classic example is having your director doing clerical work when a secretary could be doing it at less cost. So a board should al-ways be concerned about the wise godly use of the money God gives us through our network of faithful donors.

Fourth, we serve two distinct audiences. Usually in business there is one audience, customers who buy our goods and services and in the end determine our bottom line. In our ministry we serve two large groups of stakeholders. First, we exist to know, involve, and engage young people in the journey of following Jesus. How-ever, they don't pay for the ministry. So our second group of stakeholders are the adults we serve: donors, the church, and the community, those who value and support what we do. As you can see, the board and staff will always be involved in a kind of balancing act that must be viewed as necessary to our total ministry.

Fifth, we are called to trust God. It is true that this is nothing new to a Christian businessperson, but it is none-theless at the heart of a faith-driven ministry. Yes, we plan, organize, and operate utilizing many wise business, management, and leadership practices. But it doesn't stop there.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)

This means that we are brokenhearted over lost young people, and we pray that they will know the Savior and be made whole. We also pray for the resources that we need: staff, volunteers, donors, board members, and money. With all of these we pray for God's guidance and wisdom. In the end, we seek to be obedient in all we do.

Sometimes we step out on faith, trusting God; never sure of how in the world we will do what God has asked us to do. YFC staff members tell of last minute surprises that come out of nowhere, but that come from God: new volunteers and staff members we need to handle a ministry God has called us to do, a donation for just the amount of money we needed, a new donor that makes a huge difference, a door that opens for what we thought would be impossible, and many other resources. Wow!

Still, it must be said that we need to always seek God, so that when we step out into the deep we are following God, not simply our own interests in building a larger program.

Sixth, we are in a spiritual battle. We are in a battle for a generation. The enemy violently opposes our mission and ministry. For many people in popular culture, attempting to bring young people to Christ is certainly not po-litically correct. The Apostle Paul writes:

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ~ (Ephesians 6:12-13)

We must always be aware of this spiritual battle, especially when God is blessing and we are seeing a great harvest in our ministry. The enemy wants our staff to fall away from Christ, young people to turn away from the call of the Holy Spirit, board and staff members to become discouraged, and for there to be unwarranted con-flict. We are in need of a team of warriors for this great battle that God has called us to.


Seventh, we value community and relationships. They are a part of who we are as Christian men and women. So the means will always be as important to us as the ends. The process, who we are in Christ, our being able to walk the talk, how we relate to others, the way we enjoy our togetherness, how we resolve conflict and how we make decisions, are all part of a faith- driven ministry. We must never forget the words of Jesus:

A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another. (John 13:34-35 NIV)

The story is told of a church business meeting. During a sharp discussion someone referred to scripture, and someone else blurted out, "What has the Bible got to do with it?" May that never be said of the YFC board of directors of which you are a member. Yes, we are a faith-driven ministry, and that carries with it its own special uniqueness.

PERSONAL REFLECTION Do you have a clear understanding and appreciation of the distinct characteristics of a faith driven ministry?

Are there any that bother you, and that you are dealing with as a Christian? Should you talk to someone about these?

Will you approach Youth for Christ as God's work, of which you are called to be a part?


CHAPTER SEVEN

WHEN CHALLENGES ARISE The title of this chapter is relatively sanitary—involving "challenges" that arise. What we really mean is that you will have problems. Sometimes they are almost routine, a normal part of organizational life. Other times they are large. Big problems!

Youth for Christ leaders that have been around a long time have seen all of the problems. They've also observed that some YFC Chapters seem to have more than their share. But why? Generally speaking, some executive di-rectors and boards are much better at avoiding the unwanted challenges through preventative action. Quite simply, they do their jobs well.

It is our belief that the effective board will do a number of things to keep the "challenges" to a minimum. None-theless, they still arise! There is simply no guarantee that things will always go smoothly.

What kind of problems are we talking about? Here is a list of some of the most troublesome.

Your executive director resigns and you need a replacement.

The performance of the executive director is sagging and needs to be confronted, or there is an ongoing conflict between the director and the board.

Ministry is struggling or stagnant, and it appears that the staff is just not dealing with that reality.

The executive director and staff are in serious conflict that continues to go unresolved.

The organization suddenly faces a lawsuit.

There is a serious personnel issue that goes beyond ordinary performance—sexual harassment, morality issues, sexual misconduct with a minor, etc.

A financial problem is happening, maybe even a crisis, and it is built around the Chapter's propensity to spend more than its income.

Mishandling of funds occur, or worse yet, embezzlement by an employee.

There is a severe injury or even death of a young person while involved in our ministry.

The board realizes that it is weak, ineffective, falling apart, or downright dysfunctional.

Now please don't quit! We know this is quite a list. But the truth is, the majority of YFC boards never face most of those challenges. In large part it is because they work hard at doing well as a board—having an effective executive director, requiring appropriate financial practices, excellent staff supervision, risk management provi-sions, etc. Add to that God's grace, and many of those problems never seem to come along. But when they do, what do you do?

First, there is your executive director. The most important decision a board makes is in the hiring of the right person to lead the YFC Chapter. That's why the National Field Director of your Region will play a part in that process. You will receive help in recruitment, screening, interviewing, and hiring. Once on staff, being clear about expectations, having open lines of communication, and a meaningful annual performance review will be vital.


Most other personnel issues will be handled by your staff members, though don't be surprised if the council of individual board members is sought. Some YFC boards even have a human resources committee.

As for serious problems, the board needs to be aware of what is going on. Thoughtful handling of moral and le-gal issues is vital. Your YFC NFD and the human resources department at the National Service Center need to be contacted. Clear policies that cover these issues exist. In the case of lawsuits, or threatened lawsuits, the same thing is true. Contact the YFC National Service Center first. That is why your Chapter has YFC liability and direc-tors and officers insurance. They will be prepared to deal with the problem, utilizing the YFC legal department. These are valuable aspects of being a part of a national organization.

In the case of internal conflicts, resolution in a Christ-like manner is crucial. Your NFD is able to help, if neces-sary.

The board itself can be part of the problem. Boards that are stagnant, too small, disengaged, inactive, discon-nected from the YFC movement, untrained, hard-headed, all talk and no action, and lacking in commitment can bring terrible results. This is why continual board building and spiritual vitality are so important. Your YFC na-tional leaders and their resources can be of help to you in matters of board health.

Your most likely challenge will relate to finances. When spending exceeds income a crisis is in the making. If the problem is not faced, growing operational indebtedness will weigh your Chapter down. That can cripple a minis-try for years to come!

Financial controls are your first line of prevention. A budget approved by the board authorizes how the money is to be spent. But authorization means nothing if the money is not there. That's when board-established financial policies are critical. These set the rules for management to follow. If they are violated, the board must know!

It is first and foremost the executive director's job to deal with financial problems. Spending cuts, changed prior-ities, and additional fund-raising must take place. No doubt, the board will in some way be engaged in these decisions. If the director fails to act, then the board must step in quickly. You have that responsibility, and you may need to be the ones who face the financial realities. If the board fails, YFC national leaders are authorized to step in to see that the situation is corrected before too much damage is done to Youth for Christ and the minis-try.

It is helpful to remember that it is easier to make the hard decisions early. It is easier to raise money for tomor-row's ministry than it is for yesterday's programs (that is debt, and most donors don't like to give for that). Final-ly, it is always more joyous to operate without a financial crisis. Yet every YFC Chapter, church, or non-profit organization faces financial problems from time to time. For the good ones that situation is not the norm, nor will financial problems be allowed to deteriorate into a major crisis. The vast majority of YFC Chapters operate year after year without being in a state of crisis. They manage well, work hard, make tough decisions when neces-sary, and pray a lot.

That's a reminder not to neglect prayer and actions that are in obedience to God's word. We desire that all we do will be full of integrity, biblical, spiritually sound, faith-filled, and God-led. We cannot face these challenges that arise without trusting God, and working things out in a Christianly manner. That is the challenge for you as a board member.

Another word is in order about prevention. Youth for Christ offers the resources you need to help make your YFC Chapter effective. Most of the policies, guidelines, principles, and action steps are found in your set of YFC


Chapter Operations Manuals. These contents are all supported by the training programs of the YFC Leadership Learning Network. All conform to the YFC Standards of Excellence for your ministry and organizational opera-tions. Again, YFC personnel are at your service. We need not face the challenges that arise alone.

PERSONAL REFLECTION What types of challenges has your YFC Chapter faced, or that you have coped with in other settings?

Is your YFC Chapter doing everything possible to live by the Standards of Excellence thus helping to prevent some potential problems?

Do you face the challenges with plenty of prayer, wisdom from on high, biblical instruction, and a large amount of grace?


CHAPTER EIGHT

MAXIMIZING BOARD MEMBERSHIP By now we hope you are getting excited about your participation on the YFC board. As a new member, we hope you are anticipating a great experience in Youth for Christ. As a veteran board member, we hope you've gotten some new ideas, feel some fresh energy, and are ready to be more committed than ever.

Now we'd like to take you a step further, hoping that down deep another question comes to your mind, "How can I really maximize my calling to this board?"

In answer to this, we want you to 1) look at some ways you can do that in your board work, 2) encourage you to be more directly connected to YFC ministry on the frontlines, and 3) go beyond your Chapter to experience being a part of the larger movement.

How can I make the most of actual board work? Go back to chapter five and the ten suggestions for making board meetings great. Be sure they are a reality for you and not just suggestions. Be fully engaged in board work. The same should be true for committee assignments and the role you will play in YFC fund-raisers and programs to introduce people to YFC.

You will also maximize your involvement by getting to know your executive director. Spend some time together on a regular basis, get to know his or her heart, and be an encourager. If your director is young, you may have a powerful impact as an informal mentor. Really!

Also, get to know some of the staff members who spend their time every day on the frontlines of campus and community ministry. Take them out to lunch and ask them to share their story. It will be important to them, and will energize you. In the process, do everything you can to really understand the ministry of YFC. After all, that's why you are on the board.

Make praying faithfully for YFC a part of your life in Christ. Find some ways to remind yourself to pray for the staff. Pray for YFC as you read the monthly newsletter. When you write a check to support the ministry, pray over it as you place it in the reply envelope. Encourage your spouse to be a YFC prayer partner as well. And you may also want to pray with staff members when you are together.

Finally, think about taking on a leadership role if you haven't done that yet. That will be the subject of the next chapter.

Next you want to go beyond the board meeting. How can you be more directly connected to YFC ministry? There are really three ways. First you can ask your director about visiting a YFC ministry program so you can see it first-hand: a Campus Life club, juvenile hall program, City Life activity, or some other YFC ministry event. Second, make yourself available as a support staff member for a specific ministry activity. Third, if you have the time and your board work will not suffer from it, explore being a volunteer worker in an ongoing YFC ministry. Finally, if you have a son or daughter involved in YFC that too will be a way of seeing the impact of Youth for Christ.

Here let's focus on the second option—making yourself available as a support staff member. This means that you will find a way to help out for one specific program. Snapshots from the past come to mind of the involve-ment of dozens of board members. Take a look: serving on the kitchen staff at a retreat, being a chaperone on a YFC trip, doing a job at a special event, introducing young people to Christ in a counseling room at a YFC evan-


gelistic event, driving kids to camp, taking your boat to a water ski camp and pulling kids all week, helping at a ski retreat, going with a group of young people to a national or regional YFC conference like DCLA, being a camp counselor, volunteering at a YFC sponsored special program at juvenile hall, or going on a YFC Project Serve trip. Board members are in all of these pictures. Talk to your executive director about ways you can help from time to time. It will enhance your work on the YFC board.

Earlier you were exposed to the bigger picture of YFC. In what ways can you participate in the larger move-ment? You and some board members may consider visiting another YFC Chapter to observe a fund-raiser, meet with their board, or observe their ministry. It is always good to see others serving on the board in another city.

Attend a regional conference or workshop that includes board members. Seriously consider attending a national Youth for Christ MidWinter Conference. Again and again we've heard board members say that they never really understood YFC until they had that experience. Because MidWinter is important, some YFC Chapters include sending a board member as part of their budget.

Finally, you may be called upon to serve on a regional or national leadership body. Board members have gone on to serve as a member of the YFC national board where they bring their years of experience to serve the ministry all across America.

So how can I stay informed? We hope that is a concern of yours. The answer is simple. Read the monthly In Step e-newsletter and other YFC publications. From time to time visit the YFC intranet website for board and staff members. It offers lots of vital information. Your director can give you more details.

Do these things and your board experience will be richer than ever.

PERSONAL REFLECTION Are you ready to maximize your board experience?

What would be a good way for you to see the ministry first-hand?

Will you consider attending a YFC MidWinter Conference at some point in the future?


CHAPTER NINE

LEADERSHIP Good boards don't just happen. They require leaders who gracefully take charge, move the board's work for-ward, and see that things happen. Usually we think of the leader being the board chairperson. But it is more than that. Leadership on the part of the board's officers, committee and task force chairs, and the work of every member make for a good board. You are on the board because you are perceived to be a leader.

Just what are we looking for in a leader? Bill Hybels, pastor of the suburban Chicago Willow Creek Community Church and a YFC alumni says there are five things he looks for in an emerging leader (Courageous Leadership). First he says leaders have a natural ability to influence others. Their words and actions count. People listen to them. They share their ideas with others. Leadership at its essence is influence.

Second, they have character. Honesty, humility, stability, teachability and integrity should all back up their influ-ence. As Christians they know Christ well, and they walk the talk.

Third are people skills. Sensitivity to the thoughts and feelings of others, the ability to listen, and caring for people are crucial. They take a group of people and bring them together, tap into their strengths, get them work-ing, and end up with the desired results with the work done in the right way.

Fourth, they have drive. They are comfortable taking initiative. "Let's get going" are their words. Action describes them. They make things happen.

Fifth, they are intelligent. We're not talking about IQ or SAT scores or lots of degrees. We are looking for mental quickness, wisdom, street smarts, and the ability to process information, and generally, make right decisions. There are other qualities of course, but these five are important to us as leaders in Youth for Christ, as of course, are many others.

From here it a matter of applying these characteristics to specific board leadership roles. The chairs of task forces and committees will be sure that their group's job gets defined, end results are identified, and people are brought together to get the desired results. Good committee work means that board meetings will go a lot smoother, and will make the best use of everyone's strengths, interests, and time.

As for officers, the treasurer is important to maintaining the board's fiduciary responsibilities. In bygone days the treasurer kept an organization's books. With today's computers and easy to use software, office staff, bookkee-pers, and accountants, that is largely a thing of the past. Unfortunately, too often this has rendered the role of the treasurer to be almost meaningless. This need not be so.

With the board's obligation to see that the organization's funds are managed well, it is necessary that there is a budget, financial policies, regular reports, analysis of those reports, audits, etc. While much of this is now done by staff, the board still has an important responsibility to give oversight. The treasurer needs to be an active leader, understanding what is happening financially, able to interpret reports to the board, always being sure management is following the board's decisions regarding stewardship of the resources God has provided. In fact, the YFC Chapter Operations Manual that covers administrative issues is very specific about the treasurer's role.


The secretary is also an important officer. Over time, this person's signature will be required on a variety of offi-cial documents. More importantly, they take the minutes for board meetings and offer a summary of assign-ments necessary to follow-up the work of the board in their meetings.

The vice-chair fills in for the chairperson when absence is necessary. Often this role is the stepping stone to the office of board chairperson.

The board chairperson is really the leader of the board and is crucial to their effectiveness. As well, the chair is important to the work of the executive director. So this role is the subject of the entire next chapter.

These officers, and sometimes the immediate past chairperson, may make up an executive committee for some boards, especially those of large Chapters. How active this group is will vary. At times they are empowered to act on behalf of the board regarding specific issues, and may be the group responsible for doing the annual ex-ecutive director performance review.

You may ask, "Should I expect to end up in a board leadership role?" Certainly, since the board is really made up of leaders. Which role you fill should be a match with your gifts, strengths, interests, and calling. A leadership role will require a larger commitment and some extra time. However, you will be in a position to maximize the use of everyone's time as the work gets done under your oversight.

Yes, leadership is a part of being on the board. And leading leaders can be a rich and satisfying way to serve God.

PERSONAL REFLECTION Influence, character, people skills, drive and intelligence, as characteristics of a leader—how do you stack up

against that list?

What leadership role would best fit you given your strengths, gifts, and interests?

Are you ready to serve as a leader within the board?


CHAPTER TEN

THE BOARD CHAIRPERSON The most visible leadership role of the board is the chairperson. Just what is the chair's role all about? We will try to answer that question, and hopefully, be an inspiration to all who are called upon to take on this role.

Ask any executive director who has worked with an effective board chairperson and there will be a note of de-light. Having the right person in this role means that with the executive director there is the potential of having a dynamic leadership duo for your YFC Chapter. Any member of a board who has served under the leadership of an effective chairperson also knows how much better the board functions and how this will impact the ministry.

The chairperson is the leader/manager of the board and their work. The chairperson is not the chief executive officer of the YFC Chapter, for that role belongs to the executive director. Neither does the executive director report to the board chair, as the director works for the entire board. It is best to view the director and board chair roles as a partnership, with the director leading and managing the organization and its ministry while the chair sees that the board is effective as a governing body and its board members are involved in their respective volunteer roles.

In essence the board chairperson takes on two distinct roles—1) leader of the board, and 2) key board member for the executive director. At times the chair will represent the board to the director, and at other times, will represent the needs and concerns of the executive director to the board. This means that they form a partner-ship that will require spending regular time together.

The board chair is truly a servant leader, working to bring out the best in board members as they joyously and meaningfully serve and contribute. Max Dupree, a businessman and member of various boards, in his book Called to Serve says that the chairperson always must be asking, "What do I owe this group, and what mat-ters?" In answer to that he sets forth six guidelines, or key words, that we will use and expand upon for our pur-poses with a YFC board.

First the chair builds community. He or she knows that the members are devoted to the cause of YFC, and are ready to work together. This devotion must be nourished, so the chair works hard at enabling people to contri-bute their best and to work effectively together. This calls for genuine sensitivity to the needs, style, and strengths of every board member.

Second the chair participates in the design of the agenda. This is done with the executive director well in ad-vance of the meeting. The YFC Chapter Operations Manual that covers human resources deals with this in the section on boards.

Third, Dupree says that a well-designed agenda and the meeting itself will look something like a bell curve. Every meetings needs some settling in time—fellowship, prayer, devotions, and some easy business. By then the board should be ready for some heavy-duty business. Troublesome matters are addressed here, not at the end when people are leaving early and energy is down. Finally, some of the lighter matters are held until the end. This is the meeting that the board chair leads.

Fourth, the chair must be a good communicator. This begins with an agenda and supporting documents that are mailed out in advance of the meeting so members will have the time needed to read them over. In communicat-ing with the board, bad news or difficult issues should never be withheld from the membership. Precise minutes


of the meeting should presented and approved while current minutes should be taken (the operations manual has some good suggestions). Financial reports that meaningfully tell a clear story of where the organization is will be necessary. Then to insure good communication within the meeting, the chair will be sure everyone's voice is heard, drawing out those who tend to be quieter, and seeing that the wisdom of the group and the will of God is done in decision making.

Fifth, the chair practices hospitality. This begins with the setting, lighting, and tastefulness of the place the board meets. Having all of the information people will need at-hand is crucial for decision-making. Don't forget the snacks if the meeting does not occur at mealtime. Then be sure that every member is respected, appre-ciated, and has a sense that this is a place they want to be, and where God is at work.

Sixth, the chair holds the group accountable. The director and chair know what their agreed upon outcomes are. Those results can be measured. The chair will work hard helping the group maintain focus, giving just the right amount of time to each issue (knowing that some are less important than others), managing the allotted time so the meeting will end when promised, and following established protocol. He or she will also be sure that mem-bers and committees keep their commitments, and that talk never becomes a substitute for action. Good boards make good decisions and walk away with a set of marching orders.

Those are the things that the board chair owes the group. Next Dupree adds that the board owes something to the organization's leader, the executive director. For this he offers four gifts that will make a large difference to the director and his or her ability to serve. With the chair's special relationship to the director, he or she is the one to insure that these qualities are present. We will interpret them within the context of YFC.

First, Dupree says the board needs to provide a mandate. The executive director must be clear about and com-mitted to the YFC vision, mission, and ministry. To get there, the board needs to make sure there are precise expectations—a written job description, key result areas, annual goals, and an agreed upon plan for the future. Executive boundaries that are part of a board's standing policies serve to provide accountability, while at the same time; serve to set the director free to do his or her work. The working relationship between the director and board should never be muddy, and the chair needs to be sure of that.

Second, comes trust. It means that the board respects and takes their director seriously; giving him or her the marching orders to do the work of the ministry. As someone said, the executive director is the board's executing director. It is essential that the board believe in their executive director. So the board must begin with trust, ra-ther than waiting until the director proves himself or herself to be worthy of their trust.

Third, the executive director needs space. This is really an extension of trust, and means that the director is be-ing given the opportunity to grow into the role. This is even true for a director who has a lot of experience, for organizations grow and change and the requirements of the person in charge do likewise. In a sense, the direc-tor is always "becoming the executive director." Important to this is a workable structure within which the direc-tor is free to do his or her job. Space is also given when the annual performance review seeks to be construc-tive, offers two-way communication, and is aimed at the continued development of your director. This will mean that time and money will be allocated for your director to receive added training, plan for special times of spiri-tual nurture, and have relationships and connections to peers as again, "iron sharpens iron." The chair may well be one of the voices in the director's life that offers perspective and encourages balance.

Fourth, the executive director must have the care of the board. Healthy relationships among board and the direc-tor are crucial. From there, the board must recognize the needs of the executive director's family for friendship,


support, and love. This is the kind of care that makes sure a director takes vacation time, has regular health checkups, is encouraged to have personal financial plans for the future, etc. It also means that compensation is appropriate, and if anything, errs on the generous side. Not only must there be salary and benefits, but the budget must include funds for training, continuing education, the MidWinter conference (include the director's spouse), travel reimbursement, and other related ministry costs. The Christmas season is an important time for the board to tangibly remember not only the director, but also the staff.

The board, under the leadership of the chair, owes these things to their director in a context of grace, love, care, and taking on a strong sense of Christian community and shared mission.

As you can see, the chairperson plays a very important role, both for the board and the executive director. Clear-ly it is a genuine ministry. To your board chair, to all who have served in that role, and to all that will, we give you our blessing.

PERSONAL REFLECTION Do you encourage and offer your appreciation to your board chairperson for the ministry they offer?

If you are the chairperson, do you see ways that you can continue to develop in this role?

As a board, are you offering your director the mandate, trust, space, and care that are so very important?


CHAPTER ELEVEN

CONNECTING OTHERS TO YFC Are you enthusiastic about the ministry of Youth for Christ and want to tell others of the good things that are happening in the lives of young people? We hope so, and that you want to connect others to the ministry of YFC.

That's important because being a goodwill ambassador for YFC is one of your roles. You have a sphere of influ-ence, in your family, with friends, in your neighborhood, at your church, on the job, in your profession, and in various community organizations. It is here that you can put in a good word for YFC. Your involvement and en-thusiasm speaks volumes. It can inspire others to find a way to be involved as well.

Given those places of influence, you want to know "how can I get the word out?" There are a number of ways. Most importantly, talking about the YFC ministry in casual conversation is the most natural expression of sup-port. This becomes an endorsement that people around you will value.

Sometimes you may want to go to the next step. Get specific with people. Give out a YFC brochure. Offer some-one the opportunity to be on the YFC mailing list. Connect people to our staff. Or connect kids to our ministry.

Inviting people to a YFC event where they will hear the YFC story works well. Sometimes this will be a fund-raiser, maybe an event designed to introduce people to YFC (no asking for money), or even bringing them along to see YFC ministry first-hand.

Another avenue of being an ambassador is serving as a gatekeeper to your pastor, the church missions commit-tee, or the youth pastor. Likewise, getting YFC on the program at a service club will get the word out.

Telling someone that you are on the board of Youth for Christ could also be a springboard to give witness to your faith and the gospel that changes lives. Many people who don't know Christ have an interest in young people and their future. Being clear about what YFC does, and telling a story about how Christ changes the lives of young people may open the door to someone's heart.

Your working to connect others to YFC serves an important role. Kids will become involved in YFC, volunteers will be discovered, potential staff members will arise, new donors will begin supporting the work financially, more people will be praying, your church may add YFC to their missions budget, the community's awareness of YFC will grow, and someone you know or meet may come to know Jesus as their Savior.

In addition, you may discover a potential board member who meets your Chapter's guidelines for membership. A word about recruiting board members is in order. Always try to find someone you deem to be more qualified that you are—more stature, time, influence, and capacity to serve. Or maybe you will find someone younger who is definitely on his or her way up. They are people who meet the criteria of being emerging leaders—influence, character, people skills, drive, and intelligence. We always want to continue building our boards with men and women of excellence.

Board members who act as ambassadors, telling the story of YFC and what God is doing, are a great blessing. You will do that well!


Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new Creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: be reconciled to God. ~ (2 Corinthians 5:17-20 NIV)

PERSONAL REFLECTION Are you enthusiastic about YFC, its ministry, and its future in your community? Will you talk about your answer

sometime with your executive director?

Think about your sphere of influence, people who should know about Youth for Christ.

How can you be at your best as an ambassador for YFC and the mission of reaching young people for Christ?


APPENDIX

OUR VISION The vision of Youth for Christ is, in partnership with the body of Christ, to see every young person in every people group in every nation have the opportunity to make an informed decision to be a follower of Jesus Christ and become a part of a local church.

OUR MISSION YFC reaches young people everywhere, working together with the local church and other likeminded partners to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus who lead by their godliness in lifestyle, devotion to the Word of God and prayer, passion for sharing the love of Christ and commitment to social involvement.

Statement of Faith We adhere without reservation to the following Statement of Faith in Youth for Christ.

We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible authoritative Word of God.

We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.

We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.

We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.

We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.

We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in Christ.

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