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Decision & DiscernmentHow Church Leaders Know God’s Will
Rev. Wendy S. Bailey, Regional Presbyter
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The Word
What does this text say to you about the nature of God?
What does this text say to you about discernment?
What does this text say to you about the will of God?
Jeremiah 1:5-10Exodus 3:1-12Mark 1:14-22Luke 10:1-12
Psalm 121John 15:1-15Isaiah 6:6-13
1 Kings 19:1-9Mark 8:27-38
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Discernment... seeks to cultivate sensitivity to the presence of God and a desire for the things of God. It involves a humble yielding of control, as we grow in sensing God’s gracious, freeing presence.
The Rev. Victoria Grace Curtiss, PCUSA Peace Unity & Purity Final Report, 2005
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NOOMA: Shells
Rob Bell
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Nature of God
Relationship with Christ
Daily Prayer and Scripture
Our Dependence on God
Other Spiritual Disciplines
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Will of God
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How would you define “God’s will” to a thirteen-year-old member of the confirmation class?
Gray, Joan S. (2010-11-05). Spiritual Leadership for Church Officers (p. 97). Westminster John Knox Press. Kindle Edition. Gray, Joan S. (2010-11-05). Spiritual Leadership for Church Officers (p. 97). Westminster John Knox Press. Kindle Edition. Gray, Joan S. (2010-11-05). Spiritual Leadership for Church Officers (p. 97). Westminster John Knox Press. Kindle Edition.
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Marks of Discernment
Focused on God ... not about Me
Requires Faith
Communal
Relies on the Holy Spirit
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According to the book of Acts, the early church was guided and empowered by God, specifically through the actions of the Holy
Spirit. Is it possible for churches today to have this kind of experience?
Gray, Joan S. (2010-11-05). Spiritual Leadership for Church Officers (p. 97). Westminster John Knox Press. Kindle Edition. Gray, Joan S. (2010-11-05). Spiritual Leadership for Church Officers (p. 97). Westminster John Knox Press. Kindle Edition. Gray, Joan S. (2010-11-05). Spiritual Leadership for Church Officers (p. 97). Westminster John Knox Press. Kindle Edition.
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Process of Discernment
Discernment and Decision-Making
Copyright © 2005 The Reverend Victoria Grace Curtiss
Discernment and Decision-MakingCopyright © 2005 The Reverend Victoria Grace CurtissDiscernment and Decision-Making
Copyright © 2005 The Reverend Victoria Grace Curtiss
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Decision vs. Discernment
dealing with routine organizational businessan issue has near of full consensusclear alternatives have been identifiedmore discussion will not likely result in more optionsdelaying a decision is not an optionparticipants are comfortable with parliamentary procedurethe group is willing to accept majority rule when a common solution cannot be found
dealing with significant matters that affect the whole bodya sizable minority or range of views is presentmore voices or ideas need to be includedtime can be taken to explore more options and build consensusa diversity of cultural backgrounds i presentpersistent and substantial division exists
Parliamentary Procedure Communal Discernment
Discernment and Decision-MakingCopyright © 2005 The Reverend Victoria Grace Curtiss
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The Process of Communal Discernment
1. Establish a Common Starting Point
2. Gather and Share Information
3. Explore Options
4. Choose Direction
5. Rest with the Decision
6. Consensus
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Decision & DiscernmentHow Church Leaders Know God’s Will
Rev. Wendy S. Bailey, Regional Presbyter