Why Christians Should Serve on Nonprofit Boards: Stewardship, Accountability, and a Call to Lead

Becoming a board member can feel both like a privilege and a burden. It’s normal to wonder, “What will I actually have to do? How much time will this take? Am I ready for this responsibility?” These are important questions—and ones worth unpacking.
In this post, we’ll explore not only the role of nonprofit board members but also why it’s critical—especially for Christians—to step into these leadership positions.

The Role of a Nonprofit Board Member
Board members serve as stewards of the mission. Their role is to ensure the organization remains:

• Legally compliant
• Financially sound
• Strategically focused

They do not manage day-to-day operations. That is the responsibility of the Executive Director (ED) and staff. However, the board does hold ultimate responsibility for the health of the organization—and that includes stepping in when ethical or operational concerns arise.

If issues like financial mismanagement, harassment, or toxic leadership are present, the board must act. This may include:

• Reviewing the ED or Operations team
• Implementing coaching or professional development
• Clarifying roles or restructuring workflows
• Taking disciplinary action, if necessary
• Engaging in mediation or planning leadership transitions

Board members are also responsible for avoiding conflicts of interest. They must recuse themselves from discussions or votes where personal or professional interests may interfere with their duty to the organization.
Additionally, board members must be committed to the organization's financial well-being—through both personal giving and fundraising efforts.

When Should the Board Step In?
Red flags that warrant board involvement include:

• Harassment, discrimination, or a hostile work environment
• Financial misconduct or unethical behavior
• Leadership decisions that put the mission, staff, or clients at risk

To evaluate these situations, ask:

• Is this an ethical concern, performance issue, personality conflict, or systemic breakdown?
• Is there a clear job description, policy, or code of conduct in place?
• Are expectations and roles clearly defined and communicated?

If such structures don’t exist, it is the board’s responsibility to develop them promptly.

Building a Healthy Board–ED Relationship
Clear communication, consistent expectations, and mutual respect are key. The ED is responsible for:

• Implementing the vision
• Managing operations and staff
• Executing programs aligned with the mission

Meanwhile, the board must monitor progress, ensure accountability, and stay focused on long-term goals. While new leadership or energy can spark excitement around new opportunities, consistency is often more valuable than innovation. True growth happens when new ideas align with the existing mission and are supported by adequate staff and funding.
Don’t rush to build new “roads” if you haven’t completed the one you’re on. Let the ED lead the way forward, and be the board that helps fund and support that path with wisdom and discernment.

Why Christians Should Care About Nonprofit Governance
In a world where leadership can often drift toward ego, control, or manipulation, Christians are called to lead differently. We’re not driven by self-preservation—but by a desire to represent Christ in everything we do.
Biblical ethics matter. Nonprofits serve people in vulnerable situations. Poor leadership can do real harm to families, clients, and communities. But leadership grounded in servanthood, integrity, and accountability offers hope and healing.

"Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve..."
 — Mark 10:42–45 (NIV)
As Christians, we turn to Scriptures like 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and 1 Corinthians for guidance in leadership and ethical conduct. These teachings shape a kind of leadership the world desperately needs—humble, mission-driven, and free from self-interest.

In Closing
To serve on a nonprofit board is no small thing. It’s a calling. A responsibility. A burden—yes—but also a powerful opportunity to steward God’s mission in the world.
If your gifts include leadership, wisdom, generosity, or strategic thinking—consider board service as a way to serve Christ and your community. Nonprofits don’t just need funding. They need faithful, steady, principled leadership.
True leaders don’t seek power. They seek to serve.