Governance training was given by International Fellowships of Evangelical Students (IFES) to EvaSUE-National Board and Regional Advisory Board members. Including EvaSUE management team members, the number of participants was twenty-two (22).
“Governance Matters”
The training is a research output of governance practices of non-government organizations found in 35 countries. It was done by Maclellan Foundation. IFES adapted the training to Student Ministry governance by adding biblical principles into it. The training is designed to have a researched based principles and best practices selected.
The three days training (April 27-29/2018) was held in Debre Zeyit town at Liesak Resort. Objectives run from defining and differentiating some important terms and concepts like ‘governance’ and ‘management’ to roles and responsibilities of National Movement Board. The relationship between a board and general secretary was also addressed. Setting selection criteria and recruitment process that should be followed was also included.
The training was a combination of presentation and module based discussions. The Ministry Governance Training Manual contains six modules with important topics to be studied. It allows trainees to participate in reflecting on selected case studies that clearly explains topics under discussion.
Some of the main topics covered in this training are the following:
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- THE MINDSET OF A BOARD MEMBER
- IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS
- ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A NATIONAL MOVEMENT BOARD
- ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBERS
- LEADERSHIP OF A DYNAMIC BOARD
- PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE BOARD
The training is meant to help student ministry in couples of ways. As it is stated in the training when Student Movements are backed up by strong and vibrant governance, the natural product witnessed will definitely be:
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- Impactful Ministry- Fruitful and Sustainable.
- Healthy student Groups- Vibrant and dynamic
- Confident Leadership- well-equipped and high performing
- Solid-governance –strong and healthy, faithful and obedient.
The above important points are also supported by Maclellan Foundation in stating why the investment to study on governance worth. In the topic, Good governance matters, it is written that “…evidence consistently supported that well-governed organization are more effective in both ministry impact and capacity building/fund development”[1]
The training was given by Mirek Pieszka- IFES Governance development program director. At the end of the program, a certificate was awarded to participants as recognition for taking the training.
“Governance: Well-structured, wisely governed God-honoring Ministry is one of the firm foundations of IFES.
EvaSUE would like to express its gratefulness to IFES for making Governance Development Training available to us with a wonderful trainer. We are also thankful for covering training related expenses.
