Decisions and Discernment – not always the same
Most leaders know how to make a decision. Not so many know how to discern the will of God. Sadly in our churches we have assumed that making decisions in our meetings is the same thing as discernment.
Discernment is a process that allows a gathered faith community to seek and understand God’s will for a specific time and subject. It actively engages people in prayer, study, reflection and Christian conferencing to accomplish this vital work together as disciples of Jesus Christ. These tools are different to the ones that are used to just “make a decision” in a meeting.
Teaching in your church about discernment
Here is an activity at your local Church Council or Board meeting to explain discernment to your leaders and generate a shared meaning.
- Prepare a handout with various Bible passages about discernment on one side and an acrostic on discernment on the other side (see #2). Suggested passages include: Phillippians 1:9-10 – And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ.
Romans 12:2 – And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.Psalm 119:66 – Teach me good discernment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments.
Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Proverbs 3:1-6 – My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. John 7:24 – Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment. Proverbs 2:15 – My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
- Prepare a sheet of newsprint with the letters of the word “discernment” vertically. Leave a space for responses.
D ______________________
I ______________________
S ______________________
C ______________________
E ______________________
R ______________________
M ______________________
E _______________________
N _______________________
T ________________________
2. Lead a Bible Study on the word “Discernent.” Have participants take turns reading the selected Scripture. After each reading, ask: “what does this passage tell us about discernment?”
3. Explain for every letter in the word “Discernment” they are to think of a word or phrase that explains what discernment means to them.
4. Distribute handouts and pens to people. Provide a few examples: ‘D’ stands for disciples or decision, ‘I’ means involvement; ‘R’ means reflection, etc.
5. Provide 10 minutes for participants to complete their acrostic.
6. Walk down the letters n the newsprint beginning with D and record people’s responses in the space provided.
7. In concluding ask participants what they have learned about discernment. Ask: “Does our way of making decisionss lead to discerning God’s will?””What changes could we make to move in this direction?”
Next Steps
At your next meeting return to the conversation about what changes are needed if your group is to move into a discernment mode of operation. Look closely at each part of your agenda and meeting procedures and make concrete decisions for change.
The Church Guide For Making Decisions Together includes a number of other strategies and conversation starters that you can use to foster discussions and learning about discernment.
Please share what you are doing to foster the practice of discernment in your church. We’d love to learn from you.
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