My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19
“The bishop should weigh well every order before giving it, and not be too quick in taking resolutions, especially in the heat of passion and in matters of importance. It would, generally speaking, even be expedient, when entering upon the governance of his church, not to do anything else than note the defects that exist, and search after remedies that might be used.
He may then begin the work, being more fixed in his resolutions after having taken the necessary information concerning men and things of his diocese. During the progress of his governance he should take counsel first of God in prayer, then of prudent men; after that let him act with firmness, not only in giving opportune orders, but in maintaining them and seeing that they be punctually carried out, otherwise it would be better not to give them.
For if it is seen that the bishop bears without resentment the non-observance of any of his orders, it will happen that the rest of his orders will be disregarded. This is what St. Paul gave Titus to understand when he wrote to him that he should see that his commands be fulfilled: “Exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise.”
Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787) in The Complete Works of Saint Alphonsus de Liguori, translated from the Italian, edited by Rev. Eugene Grimm (New York: Benzinger, 1890) 468.
James served as the chair of the proverbial board of the church in Jerusalem. He epistle urges us to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. He wants us to “weigh well every order.” Great advice for everyone, especially board members!
Alphonsus proclaims this counsel in his call for prudent governance. In his era, the work of governance took the form of giving orders. Today, boards give orders in the form of setting policy. But what does governance have to do with generosity? Let me explain.
When board members “weigh well every order” and make sure God’s work is administrated following standards and governed with diligent oversight, it positions the church for growth and flourishing. To ensure observance, all God’s servants need training.
At GTP we orient staff in part by reading our Board Policies Manual or BPM. See a sample here. It maps the roles and responsibilities of the board and CEO in one document. It shows the roles of committees and reports. The same reports the staff help generate.
The staff soon discover how “everything is connected to everything else” and that faithful administration and governance is not despised but cherished as it fosters sustainable ministry. And it’s so highly valued, it draws people to participate in God’s work with you.
Please notice that Alphonsus went back to Paul’s words to Titus in encouraging good governance. At GTP we do too. Why? Without good governance, God’s work struggles. With good governance, it achieves local support and sustainability.
What were Paul’s orders to Titus precisely? Let’s read it again. “The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.” Titus 1:5
When we bring order and oversight to a setting it changes everything. How can you bring order and oversight where you are? Can you pause to pray for our GTP Pakistan team as they bring it to this much needed nation?