Absolute Best Practices of Nonprofit Boards (featuring Dr. Michael Anthony)

What if the health of your ministry depends more on your board than you think? Dr. Michael Anthony has spent 40 years in boardrooms - as a member, chair, consultant, and C-suite leader - and he’s seen what works and what breaks ministries apart.

In this candid conversation, Dr. Anthony unpacks common mistakes boards make, the unseen cost of poor governance, and the simple practices that lead to longevity and mission health.

From defining lanes to using a “log of motions,” from succession planning to EQ, he explains why leadership transitions succeed - or fail - long before the public ever sees it.

And he gets personal, sharing the story of his most painful ministry transition, the “dark night of the soul” it brought, and how God restored his joy and purpose.

Whether you’re a ministry leader, board member, or walking through a transition, this episode will give you tools to strengthen your leadership and hope for what’s next.

Key Takeaways

• Why lack of proper orientation is one of the most common board failures.

• How a “log of motions” can prevent repetitive mistakes and clarify focus.

• The three duties of board members: care, loyalty, and obedience.

• Why clear role boundaries prevent dysfunction between boards and staff.

• Succession planning as a regular board discipline, not a crisis reaction.

• The critical role EQ plays in leadership longevity.

• How God can use painful transitions for deeper growth and joy.

Chapter Markers

00:00 – Welcome & backstory with Dr. Michael Anthony
01:11 – Why this book on nonprofit boards
02:18 – Common causes of board dysfunction
05:24 – The onboarding process done right
07:43 – What’s a “log of motions” and why it matters
09:48 – The three duties of every board member
14:36 – Board size, terms, and rotation
18:04 – How to transition a board member off gracefully
20:36 – When to resign from a board for unity’s sake
24:17 – Role of the board chair & relationship with CEO
31:09 – Using ongoing board training to stay healthy
32:11 – Succession planning without personal attack
34:39 – How boards can handle leadership exits well
38:43 – Accountability, care, and EQ in board leadership
43:54 – What’s at stake if boards are neglected
46:52 – Differences between church and nonprofit boards
49:52 – Growing through painful ministry transitions
57:52 – How to connect with Dr. Anthony

If you’re walking through a ministry transition - or know someone who is - you’re not alone. Connect with us at ministrytransitions.com for coaching, resources, and a path forward. To reach Dr. Michael Anthony directly, email manthony@dts.edu or michael@calibrateglobalconsulting.com.