by David Washburn, BGAV Treasurer

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In small congregations across our state, faithful deacons and trustees gather around tables every month to make decisions that shape the lives and futures of their churches. Many of them serve with deep commitment and genuine love for their congregation—and often without much formal training or a clear roadmap for what good governance looks like. That’s not a criticism; it’s simply the reality of how most small churches operate, and it’s an opportunity for us to serve and to equip one another better.

Healthy governance isn’t a corporate concept imported into the church. It’s a biblical one. Jethro encouraged Moses to stop carrying the load alone. The Jerusalem church appointed deacons so that important needs wouldn’t go unmet. Paul gave Timothy and Titus thoughtful guidance for organizing church leadership well. God has always cared about how his people structure their life together.

So what might healthy governance look like in a congregation of 75 or 150 members?

Clarity of roles. It helps when every board member has a shared understanding of the difference between governance and day-to-day management. The board sets direction, approves budgets, and supports leadership accountability — freeing pastors and staff to focus on ministry rather than navigating uncertainty about who decides what. It does not manage staff, micromanage programs, or make every small decision.

Regular rhythms. Healthy boards meet consistently and with purpose, not just when something urgent arises. Reviewing financials together, revisiting governing documents periodically, and opening meetings with prayer can transform what feels like an obligation into a meaningful act of shared leadership.

Honest, grace-filled conversation. In close-knit congregations, it can feel easier to move quickly and avoid hard questions to preserve relationships. But caring for a church well sometimes means gently asking difficult things together: Are we being financially responsible? Is our pastor resourced and supported? Are there areas of risk we’ve been slow to address?

Developing the next generation of leaders. Healthy boards think ahead. Intentionally inviting newer members into leadership, sharing responsibilities, and passing along institutional knowledge is one of the most loving things a long-tenured leader can do for the congregation they serve.

None of this requires outside experts or complicated systems. It simply takes humility, consistency, and the shared conviction that caring for how the church is governed is itself a form of faithful ministry.

Rev. David Washburn is BGAV’s treasurer.

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