Chapter Seven · Structure of Government
The Family is organized like a nation.
Corporations exist for shareholders and can be sold. Nations exist for their people and cannot. The dynasty follows the second pattern.
7.1
The Family Council
Everyone over the age of majority. The legislature of the dynasty. The Council sets direction, debates the mission, ratifies amendments, and elects the Board. Every voting member has voice before every vote is called.
- · Monthly session — direction, discussion, votes
- · Annual session at the Family Summit — elections, amendments
- · Every member is heard; no member is unheard
7.2
The Board of Stewards
Five to twelve members. The executive branch. Each Steward holds a portfolio — a ministry — not the whole authority of the family. Distributed portfolios are the dynasty's separation of powers.
- · Elected from within the Council
- · Terms are defined; offices rotate
- · Every Steward trains a successor from day one
The Ministries
Eight portfolios
Steward 01
Pillar ISteward of Spiritual Development
Worship, prayer, fasting, scripture, service, and the family's orientation to God.
Steward 02
Pillar IIISteward of Education
The family curriculum, library, mentorships, courses, and the annual Summit presentations.
Steward 03
Pillar IISteward of Wellness
Sleep, movement, nutrition, mental health, therapy referrals, and the quarterly wellness check-ins.
Steward 04
Pillar VISteward of Finance
The Family Bank, budgets, investments, insurance, financial education, and the monthly balance sheet.
Steward 05
Pillar V · VIISteward of Family Archives
Genealogy, oral histories, minutes, letters, photographs, videos, and the time capsule.
Steward 06
Pillar IVSteward of Relationships
Marriage protocol, mentorship pairings, conflict mediation, hospitality, and the monthly council.
Steward 07
Pillar VISteward of Property
The estate, land, houses, guest houses, and every physical asset held in trust by the family.
Steward 08
CommunitySteward of Philanthropy
The family's giving, service projects, and the community rung of the ladder of stewardship.
Offices may be combined in a small family and divided in a large one — what must never be combined is all of them in one person.