SAMPLE Board Commitment Pledge

I, _________________________, recognizing the important responsibility I am undertaking in serving as a member of the Board of Trustees, hereby pledge to carry out in a faithful, trustworthy, and diligent manner the duties and obligations in my role as a Board member. I understand that our By-Laws outline the overall policies of this ministry and that this pledge outlines my personal commitment as a Board member concerning how we govern the ministry. 

MY ROLE:

I acknowledge that my primary roles as a Trustee are as follows:

1. To hold sacred the spiritual trust of the congregation of this ministry;

2. To contribute to defining, implementing, and cultivating our strategic objectives, vision and mission by helping to govern the fulfillment of both;

3. To carry out the functions of the office of Trustee and/or Trustee Officer as stated in the By-Laws and policies;

4. To hold sacred my own prayer life and spiritual growth, so that I may set a Christ-centered example for others.

 

MY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

I will enthusiastically exercise the duties and responsibilities of this office with prayer, integrity, and care. My commitment is as follows:

1. To establish as a high priority my attendance at all Board meetings and committees on which I serve;
2. To be prepared to discuss the issues and business addressed at scheduled meetings;
3. To work with and respect the opinions of my peers who serve on this Board and to leave negative personal biases out of all Board discussions;
4. To hold in confidence all matters deemed confidential by the Board;
5. To represent this ministry in a positively supportive manner at all times and in all places;
6. To display Christ-centered conduct in all Board and committee meetings;
7. To refrain from intruding on administrative issues that are the responsibility of the Operations Team, except to monitor results and methods that conflict with Board policy;
8. To support in a positive manner all actions taken by the Board of Trustees, even when I am in a minority position on such actions;
9. To avoid conflicts of interest between my position as a Trustee and my personal life. (If such a conflict arises, I will declare that conflict before the Board and refrain from voting on those matters.)
   10. Attend agreed-upon meetings, and oversee the accomplishment of the meeting objectives. If I chair the Board, a committee, or task force, I will:
10. Participate in:

• Sunday services and classes, Board and membership meetings, spiritual community socials, and spiritual retreats;
• Board self-evaluation programs;
• Board development workshops, seminars, and other educational events that enhance my skills as a Board member.

TRUSTEE CODE OF ETHICS:

As a member of ___________’s Board I will:

1. Listen carefully and attentively to the views of fellow Board members;
2. Respect the opinions of the Minister(s) and fellow Board members;
3. Respect and conscientiously support the majority decisions of the Board;
4. Recognize that all authority is vested in the full Board, only when it meets in legal session; Keep well-informed on developments relevant to issues that may come before the Board; Bring to the attention of the Board any issues that I believe may have an adverse effect on the Ministry or those to whom we minister; Refer legitimate complaints to the Board for review; Maintain appropriate confidentiality.
5. Recognize that one of my roles is to ensure that the Ministry is well-managed— and not to manage the ministry;
6. Represent all those whom this Ministry serves and not a particular interest group; Consider myself a “trustee” of the Ministry and do my best to ensure that it is well-maintained, financially secure, growing, and always operating in the best interests of those we serve; Always strive to perform my responsibilities with integrity.

As a member of ____________’s Board I will not:

1. Criticize the opinions and/or decisions of the Minister(s) or my fellow Board members outside of the Boardroom. (While healthy disagreement is welcomed during Board meetings, our differences will not be aired outside our meetings.)
2. Use the Ministry for personal advantage (or that of my friends and relatives); use my position to threaten; discuss the confidential proceedings of the Board outside the Boardroom; or promise how I will vote on any issue before the meeting.
3. Interfere with the duties of the Minister(s) or undermine the Minister’s authority with Staff members.

                                                             _________________________________

                                                             Signature of Board Member