Serving on the board of a Christian ministry is not simply organizational leadership. It is spiritual stewardship. The work is sacred, the responsibility is weighty, and every decision a board makes directly affects the people God has entrusted to the ministry, including survivors, families, staff, and the founder.

The Need for Board Training and Biblical Conflict Resolution

Many problems in Christian nonprofits arise because board members were never properly trained on how to govern a ministry, which is different than a secular nonprofit. Christian board service requires skills, spiritual maturity, and an understanding of boundaries that most people have never been taught.

Unhealthy boards often struggle because:

• They do not understand their biblical role
• They confuse governance with management
• They bring business-style authority into ministry spaces
• They have never received trauma-informed leadership training
• They don’t know best practices for Christian nonprofit governance vs. secular
• They lack clarity and knowledge about how to support the founder or CEO

Ministry work is unique. It involves spiritual warfare, trauma-impact realities, and real God-given callings. Board members need real training in how to lead spiritually and structurally, not just have good intentions. Healthy boards invest in equipping themselves through workshops, books, prayer, professional development, and Christian governance education. Each board member should personally invest in the ministry by giving their time, talents, and treasures while intentionally avoiding pride and ego.

Scripture commands preparation:

“My people perish for lack of knowledge.”
Hosea 4:6

“Let the wise hear and increase in learning.”
Proverbs 1:5

At Innocence Freed, we believe excellence requires training. Our board is continually learning, growing, and strengthening its Christlike stewardship. We also draw wisdom from respected Christian thought leaders such as Sam Wolgemuth of World Relief and Youth for Christ International, John Maxwell, Patrick Lencioni, Henri Nouwen, Peter Drucker, Dallas Willard, and A. W. Tozer, whose teachings reinforce the truth that ministry governance must reflect Christ, not personal agendas.

Biblical Conflict Resolution with the Founder or CEO

Scripture gives a very clear command for handling conflict inside the Body of Christ. If a board member has a concern about another board member, the founder or Executive Director, they must follow Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 18:

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone.”
Matthew 18:15

This means:

• Board members go directly to the founder or CEO first
• They do not gossip
• They do not go to staff or volunteers
• They do not hold secret meetings
• They do not form alliances or factions
• They address the concern privately and respectfully

If the issue cannot be resolved privately, Matthew 18 instructs inviting one or two others to confirm the matter. Only after that does it move to the larger body. This process is not optional. It is biblical.

Scripture reinforces this principle everywhere:

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18

“Let all things be done decently and in order.”
1 Corinthians 14:40

Boards that bypass Matthew 18 harm unity, create division, and violate Christ’s command.
Boards that follow Matthew 18 build trust, integrity, and peace.

At Innocence Freed, this is our standard.
We follow Scripture.
We handle conflict biblically.
We honor relationships and protect unity.

This is the model Innocence Freed follows.

1. Boards and Founders Must Align With What God Wants, Not What They Want

Dallas Willard taught that spiritual leadership begins with listening to God.
Henri Nouwen wrote that ministry must be guided by obedience, not ambition.

Scripture teaches the same truth:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Proverbs 3:5

“Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:10

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.”
Psalm 37:5

Innocence Freed submits decisions to God through prayer and Scripture. When boards obey God instead of themselves, ministry remains protected and aligned with His purpose.

2. The Founder’s God-Given Vision Must Be Honored and Protected

God often gives the ministry’s original calling and mission to the founder. Healthy boards protect it rather than reshaping it.

Peter Drucker emphasized the importance of clear roles and defined purpose. Scripture echoes this clarity of calling:

“For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.”
Romans 11:29

“Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.”
Habakkuk 2:2

“Do not despise the day of small beginnings.”
Zechariah 4:10

At Innocence Freed, the founder’s calling is respected as a divine assignment. The board safeguards the mission while giving the founder freedom to lead and implement the vision God entrusted to them.

3. Christlike Character Must Mark Every Board Member

John Maxwell teaches that leadership is influence. Scripture teaches that Christian leaders must reflect Christ in all things.

“By their fruit you will know them.”
Matthew 7:16

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”
Matthew 20:26

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
Proverbs 9:10

“Be holy, because I am holy.”
1 Peter 1:16

A. W. Tozer warned that spiritual authority collapses when leaders lose reverence for God. This is why Innocence Freed chooses board members whose fruit, humility, and faithfulness demonstrate a life that honors Christ.

4. Unity, Transparency, and Trust Are Required

Patrick Lencioni’s research shows that hidden agendas destroy teams. Scripture says the same.

“Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”
Galatians 5:26

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:3

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely.”
Proverbs 10:9

Innocence Freed’s board remains unified through open communication, honesty, mutual respect, and a commitment to truth. This unity strengthens the entire ministry.

5. Healthy Boards Focus on Governance, Not Operations

Sam Wolgemuth taught that boards must answer three essential questions about mission, vision, and leadership. Scripture reinforces the importance of order and role clarity.

“But all things should be done decently and in order.”
1 Corinthians 14:40

“Two cannot walk together unless they agree.”
Amos 3:3

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:4

At Innocence Freed, the board focuses on oversight and accountability, not micromanagement or daily operations, but staff lead programs. The founder leads the vision. The board governs with wisdom and clarity.

6. Boards Have One Employee, the CEO

Scripture affirms accountability and support for leaders.

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls.”
Hebrews 13:17

“Honor one another above yourselves.”
Romans 12:10

“Encourage one another and build one another up.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11

Innocence Freed’s board supports, evaluates, and protects its founder and/or the Executive Director, ensuring they are prayerfully, spiritually, emotionally, and professionally supported.

7. Governance Must Be Holy, Transparent, and Above Reproach
8. W. Tozer emphasized purity of motive in leadership. Scripture strongly reinforces this principle.

“Who may dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks with integrity.”
Psalm 15:1–2

“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
Ephesians 5:11

“The integrity of the upright guides them.”
Proverbs 11:3

Innocence Freed maintains holiness in governance by preventing gossip, manipulation, secrecy, or personal agendas. This protects the mission and keeps the ministry above reproach.

8. Excellence Honors Christ

Peter Drucker taught that excellence strengthens nonprofit effectiveness. Scripture says excellence honors God.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
Colossians 3:23

“It is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”
1 Corinthians 4:2

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16

At Innocence Freed, excellence is not optional. It is worship. It reflects Christ, strengthens trust, and protects survivors.

Innocence Freed Models Christ-Centered Governance

True Christian governance requires spiritual maturity, humility, unity, integrity, trust, and obedience to God above all. It requires honoring and respecting the founder’s anointed calling, rejecting hidden agendas, and operating with holiness and excellence.

Innocence Freed’s board embraces these principles wholeheartedly.
We serve with humility.
We lead with integrity.
We obey Christ.
We protect the mission God entrusted to us.
We honor the founder’s calling.
We move forward as one, under Christ.

This is Christlike governance.
This is how Innocence Freed leads.

Written by: Julie Shrader, Founder and CEO of Innocence Freed