I have held positions of fiduciary responsibility on Boards of multiple non-profits and congregations. I bring a calm patience to budget discussions, enabling groups to have difficult conversations while maintaining relationships. In times of discord, I encourage groups to seek a way forward that is grounded in whatever missional priorities they created together during more reflective times. If a group doesn’t have clarity in these areas, this is one of my first suggestions for shared focus.
I have found myself to be surprisingly effective at fundraising. I have no hesitation asking for money for a cause that I believe in. On two separate occasions I have given stewardship speeches to congregations mired in divisive conflict, and in both instances I was able to inspire unity with my words and exceed the donation targets by significant margins.
The role of minister is varied, but is always connected to the needs of the community being served. Communities benefit from being reminded of their roots (with a balance of both positive and negative aspects included), and inspired to a vision more inclusive and sustainable than what came before. During times of strife, ministers can encourage, hold, mediate, and help to stabilize. During times of building, they can serve by helping to inform, expand ideas of what is possible, and focus efforts towards shared outcomes. All along the way, they can help to create a calm center, strengthen connections within the community, and expand relationships with new constituents.
I consider myself to be, at my core, a servant leader.
