Having a board chaplain is very unconventional, even for Christian boards. But by having a board chaplain it sends forth an important statement concerning the spiritual aspect of the board.
Every organization has a driving force at the core that determines its identity and establishes its character. In secular organizations, the driving force may be professional expertise, market share, technology, research, service, or profit. GTN will not be exempt from the influence of many of these factors, but they cannot be the driving force. It is the Mind and Spirit of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Word of God and enacted through the agency of the Holy Spirit that drives GTN – from the inside out. Seen in its vision, stated in its mission, and felt in its expression, the Mind and Spirit of Jesus Christ defines its identity, shapes its character, and determines its purpose and objectives.
The essence of GTN board make-up should be based on the same three qualifications that are identified as essentials for candidates for the presidency. They are: character, competence, and spirituality. The role of the board chaplain can help strengthen all three of these, but especially, the area of spirituality.
The chaplain is appointed by the president of GoToNations and is a member of the Board of Directors.
Qualifications
- Must be a person whose character is beyond reproach.
- Must be a person of prayer; someone that knows how to intercede on behalf of others.
- Must be someone who will sacrificially devote time praying for the board.
- Must be a person who is an encourager and can lift and stir the faith of others.
- Must be a trusted person who can function with a high level of confidentiality. All prayer requests from, or ministry to board members are to be kept confidential.
Purpose and Function
Even though the board chaplain will rally the board members from time to time to pray for special needs concerning the operations, personnel and ministry outreaches of GTN – that is not the chaplain’s primary purpose. The primary purpose of the board chaplain is to provide spiritual strength and prayer cover for the board members. This purpose is carried out through these practical functions:
- PRAYER WARRIOR: The board chaplain lifts up each board member before the Lord daily and stays sensitive to the Holy Spirit as he/she covers them in prayer and intercession. Special focus is given to the board member’s marriage, family, business and board function
- • PRAYER OF AGREEMENT: The board chaplain is accessible to any of the board members concerning special personal prayer needs. This can be explained over the phone or by an email. The chaplain stands with the board member in prayer releasing the power of agreement.
- WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT: The board chaplain is to be an encouragement to the board. Once a week, the chaplain sends a word of encouragement and exhortation to all board members. Many times, the word of encouragement is inspired by the Holy Spirit out of the chaplain’s prayer time of interceding for the board.
- SPECIAL PRAYER GATHERINGS: This will be carried out in three distinct ways:
- Upon request, the board chaplain will personally visit the home or business of any board member for personal prayer and encouragement
- The board chaplain will participate in special prayer times with the president and board chairman.
- On certain occasions, special prayer times will be scheduled for those who are able to participate.