BoardSource, a Washington-based membership organization for nonprofits, has a host of free and low-cost resources that can be downloaded or ordered from their website at www.boardsource.org. Many of BoardSource’s materials are addressed to small nonprofits, but with minor adaptations, many may be appropriate for theological schools and seminaries as well.

Highlights include:

• A series of Board Basics, available free of charge on topics like board calenders, board leadership, minutes, quorums, bylaws, and policies. May be too basic for most theological school boards, but small schools or startups may find these helpful.
• Collections of reports on specialized topics, including new members, nonprofit financials, committees, and supporting the chief executive.
• Other topical reports, brochures, and sample policies on essentials like board chair responsibilities, succession planning, and strategic planning.

Even for nonmembers, BoardSource’s prices are modest and their advice is practical and grounded in their work with a variety of organizations. Theological school and seminary presidents, as well as board chairs and governance committee chairs, would do well to familiarize themselves with BoardSource and its offerings.