Growth doesn’t happen when all you see is the problem in front of you. It’s like trying to sail across the ocean while staring only at the water right beneath your boat. You’ll never reach your destination unless you know where you’re going and how you’ll get there.

A discipleship pathway is a simple plan to guide people toward maturity in Christ. At the Evangelical Free Church of Bemidji, we defined ours with four memorable steps: Gather, Grow, Give, and Go — all infused by the power of the Gospel.

Boards can feel like a barrier, but Executive Directors have the power to transform them into unstoppable forces. In this Mustful Minute, I share how strengthening your relationship with your Board Chair is the key to unlocking your Board’s true potential.

Most nonprofits and churches struggle with the same challenge: they don’t have enough volunteers. But the real problem isn’t the number of volunteers — it’s trying to do too much. Focusing on a few high-impact programs staffed by energized volunteers can be far more effective than spreading yourself thin.

“The most important part of policies isn’t just having them—it’s knowing them. You should understand why each policy exists and when it applies. I’ve sat in countless board meetings where someone suggests a new idea without considering whether it violates policy. That’s why it’s wise to have your organizational policies on hand at every board and committee meeting.”