Dr. Paul Young
Chairman of the Board
Network of Christian Schools, International (NICS)
South Haven, Mississippi
I doubt there is a school that has not been touched by the rebel board member—someone who has his own private agenda or who feels that it is his responsibility to represent the minority view. There seems to be no such thing as a “secret rebellion” or a “silent minority.” Those who disagree with the current trend or don’t like the current direction tend to speak loudly and clearly.
An effective board realizes that it “speaks with one voice” through written policies. Publicly responding to rebel opinions is often playing right into the hands of those who would like to focus attention on their agenda. The wise administrator realizes that the correction of the rebel board member is not his responsibility. Board discipline is the board’s responsibility, and the board chair should lead the charge. Too often board members, and in particular the board chair, think the problem of a rebellious member will go away if left alone. I have discovered that even though silence is often golden, sometimes it is just plain yellow. Failure to confront a rebel board member may allow the problem to grow and fester, and unresolved conflicts can cost the school heartache, even the resignation of excellent school personnel. When confronting a rebel board member, you as the board chair should always bathe the confrontation in the principles found in Matthew 18 and Galatians 6:1. The emphasis is on going to him alone and going with a humble and meek spirit so that you do not fall into temptation. Too often I have seen disagreements blown out of proportion because the confronter acted as irresponsibly as the one who had initially offended someone. I have found that God is not interested in taking sides; He is only interested in taking over.
Even though reeling in the rebel board member is not the administrator’s responsibility, there is at least one thing that both the administrator and board chairman should do: Review the criticism or accusation and make sure the rebel is a “rebel without a cause.” Your responsibility as a Christian is to be blameless, but as an administrator or board chairman, you will make mistakes from time to time. Be quick to ask forgiveness, and make sure the issue at hand does not have merit. During my 20 years as an administrator, I had my share of critics. As much as I hate to admit it, there was a little truth in nearly every criticism. I found that if I corrected those areas of weakness or error, I took away the leverage my critics had. Often our first response is to become defensive when, in fact, we should be open and accessible. Follow the admonition of Psalm 139:23 and 24 by allowing the Lord to search you and know your heart. If you study Joshua and the battle of Jericho, you will discover a little-known truth. The walls of Jericho did not fall until Joshua fell:
Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. (Joshua 5:14, 15)
If you will humble yourself before the Lord and be blameless, God will fight the battle, and the victory will be His! Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time (1 Peter 5:6, NJK).
Reeling in the Rebel Board Member 5.4