Many ministries and organizations lack documented operational policies. Reasons vary -- from not taking the time to develop them, to not seeing their importance.  May I suggest that policies do matter? PCCs that do not have policies in place are open to accusation and in danger of serious fina...

"The holy passion of Friendship is of so sweet and steady and loyal and enduring a nature that it will last through a whole lifetime, if not asked to lend money." Mark Twain in Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar Mark Twain captured the inner fear of almost every non-profit board member. "I know...

I've said it many times: selecting the right board members is crucial to any center's success. It's vital that the boards of Christian ministries consist of men and women who understand their ministry's mission and vision, as well as their individual and collective roles in it. Taking that to heart...

In 1870, Russell H. Conwell hired an Arab guide to sail him down the Tigris River to Bagdad, Nineveh, and Babylon. His guide was a non-stop storyteller that drove Conwell crazy, so he just tuned him out. But then, one particular tale captured Conwell's attention... and changed his life.An ancient Pe...

Over the course of writing this board governance column, it's been my delight to hear from readers. Some share how they've been encouraged or challenged; a few have said they disagree with me on certain points, and that's okay! No matter what you say, I love to hear from you. My At the Center art...

Fundraising is exhausting, especially when you ask and ask and come up empty. As much as you keep smiling in the face of adversity, rejection is hard to take. It's discouraging to scan your database and find a drought of major donors. Raising money becomes even more staggering when you feel like you...

Some pregnancy care center leaders think of success in terms that may or may not reflect the center's purpose or biblical values, such as the following:Our center has money in the bank.We have an ultrasound program.We have great events.We are helping many clients by meeting many of their needs.We ha...

In my first week as a professional beggar, I hit a mental block. Theoretically, the first few gifts I raised for the ministry were really just covering my salary which felt like I was asking for my own personal benefit. You might experience the same hesitancy until you think through the logic of ste...