They look for specific, tangible ways to encourage one another frequently. The input of a CEO to the selection of trustees is one of the most important aspects of his or her work, Crouch said, in seeking people whom God has called to work together collaboratively. Trustees also heard from Lynn Buzzard, professor of constitutional law at Campbell University and the author of several publications dealing with church and legal matters. He distributed a draft version of a pamphlet dealing with legal issues facing Baptist trustees and directors, and spoke to selected topics. Trustees' loyalty to the institution should preclude the use of their positions for any personal gain, he said.
Trustees show care by paying attention and taking their responsibilities seriously.
They show obedience by being faithful to the organization's mission. Buzzard said trustees must deal with the reality of supporting Baptist institutions in a culture that is sometimes hostile to Christianity and in which long-standing traditions and barriers are breaking down. Government relations and public policy pressures are also increasingly problematic, he said. Rather than resting too comfortably on what currently works, he told the new trustees to be forward-looking.