Board of Trustees
Seasoned in ministry. Chosen for wisdom.
Our trustees are Spirit-filled men and women with long experience in ministry, formally invited by the Foundation to help make the decisions that keep this vision alive for generations.
When the early church needed people to oversee the daily care of widows, the apostles did not look for the loudest voices or the largest followings. They asked for people of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom. We have tried to follow that pattern.
A trustee of Shepherds Only Foundation is not appointed because of a title, a platform or a donation. They are approached because, over many years, they have shown that they can be trusted with people, with money and with the truth. They know what ministry costs because they have paid it.
What we look for
Six marks of a trustee.
Spirit-filled
A life visibly led by the Holy Spirit, marked by prayer, humility and the fruit of the Spirit.
Wise
Sound judgment that has been tested in difficult decisions, and the patience to listen before speaking.
Honest
A reputation for truthfulness in money and in words, inside the church and outside it.
Proven in ministry
A track record over many years, with fruit that others can see and testify to.
Discreet
The ability to hold confidences and to protect the dignity of ministers in need.
Committed to the long view
A heart for the next generation of shepherds, not just the present one.
How trustees are chosen
By invitation, after careful discernment.
No one applies to become a trustee. The Foundation identifies candidates, prays, makes enquiries and then extends a formal invitation.
Discernment
The Foundation prayerfully identifies ministers whose wisdom, honesty and record in ministry are widely recognised.
Enquiry
Their character and track record are confirmed with people who have served alongside them.
Invitation
A formal letter invites them to serve, setting out the role, its responsibilities and its limits.
Commitment
On accepting, trustees affirm the Statement of Faith and agree to our Code of Ethics and Conflict of Interest policy.
The role
Guardians of the vision’s future.
Trustees contribute to the critical decisions that secure the Foundation’s perpetuity. They are not involved in day-to-day administration.
What trustees do
- Weigh in on decisions that affect the endowment and the long-term survival of the vision.
- Help protect the Foundation’s Christian identity and its focus on the five-fold ministry.
- Offer counsel on significant policies, changes of direction and difficult cases.
- Hold the Foundation’s leadership accountable to its stated purpose.
What trustees do not do
- Decide individual applications on the basis of personal acquaintance.
- Direct support to their own churches, relatives or associates.
- Speak publicly about any minister the Foundation supports.
- Act alone on behalf of the Foundation.
Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
Proverbs 11:14
To write to the Board, contact the Secretary at [email protected].