From Bylaws to BBQs: How School Boards Build Trust
Let’s face it: no one volunteers to serve on a school board because they dream of drafting policies, navigating hard conversations with school families, or updating bylaws over a late-night coffee or energy drink. (Although if that is your dream…more power to you.) Most board members volunteer because they care deeply about the ministry of the school, the students in its classrooms, and the mission that ties it all together. Too often, however, the board’s work feels removed from the everyday heartbeat of the school.
This year, challenge yourselves to flip that script. Building meaningful relationships isn’t “extra.” It is essential for effective board service, and yes, it can even be fun.
1. STAFF: Not Just Names on the Payroll
Your teachers and staff members aren’t just names on a payroll sheet. They’re the front lines of your ministry. A board that knows its faculty—not just their titles, but their hearts—is better equipped to lead wisely and support meaningfully. Start the year off with a board-hosted breakfast and/or coffee bar. Nothing builds rapport with teachers faster than caffeination and carbs!
2. FAMILIES & STUDENTS: Know the Faces You Serve
If your only contact with school families is when they show up on a tuition delinquency list, something’s off. Show up at back-to-school night and hand out snacks. Serve popcorn at the fall PTO movie night. Pass out popsicles in the car line (bonus points if it is 100+ degrees). Make a cameo as Goliath in the school’s fall drama performance. A board that is visible and approachable builds trust, and trust builds unity.
3. CHURCH MEMBERS: More than Just Background Supporters
It’s easy to assume that church members know about the school because it is down the hallway. Spoiler alert: many don’t. Invite them in. Host a “School Sunday” with students singing, art displays, and coffee served by board members who look only mildly awkward in their matching polos. When a congregation sees the Gospel at work, they’re more eager to pray, give, and volunteer.
4. Make It FUN. Yes, FUN.
If your idea of fun is a Wednesday meeting from 8:30 to 10:30 PM in the bowels of the church basement, reading reports, checking budget lines, sneaking Sunday School snacks, and discussing test results, by all means, carry on. But I’ll guess that you don’t do that with friends on a Friday night.
Why not combine your joy for service with your position as Chief of the Fun Police? Fire up your wood smoker at the school BBQ (because pellet smokers are like cheating). Learn some new-age lingo to trash talk students in the annual 8th grade vs. board kickball showdown. Take a turn in the dunk tank at the school kickoff picnic. Laughter breaks down walls. Conversations build trust. This kind of investment shows your school community that you aren’t just smart, you’re human.
Bottom Line: Boards who Build Strong Bonds are a Blessing
When board members dedicate themselves to building relationships with the people they serve, they become more than simply a governing body. They become a visible, living extension of the ministry itself.
When Paul stated that he became all things to all people, I do not believe he was relegating that zeal to only things that allowed him to wear his pastoral attire and appear dignified. I am sure that Paul found himself in plenty of outwardly embarrassing moments which endeared him to those he served and evangelized. You cannot fake a passion for people, but you can reignite it as a priority within your board.
So, this fall, put down the policy manual (for just a bit at least), roll up your sleeves, and claim the title of Slip ‘N Slide Champ at the back-to-school splash day. I guarantee that a parent remembering you hurtling down a strip of plastic at 25 mph in front of a crowd of observers will make that tough November conversation just a little bit easier. Your community is ready to know you—not just as decision-makers, but as servant-hearted leaders who care deeply, show up joyfully, and serve selflessly.
Start the Year Strong
As your board kicks off a new school year, let this article spark a conversation. Forward it to your fellow board members or principal and carve out 15 minutes at your next meeting to reflect together.
Start with these two questions:
What is our board already doing to build relationships with families, students, staff, and church members?
What are 2–3 intentional steps we can take this year to deepen trust and connection?
As much as your board has focused on governance, put the same emphasis on connection. Let families and staff see you as people who not only serve diligently but care deeply and laugh heartily. Investing in relationships now pays dividends later!
