A Process for Discernment

Pastoral Reflections | A Process for Discernment, Episode 5

Host: Steve Macchia

We get into conflict related to discernment because there are those around the table of discernment who don’t want to be patient with the process.” – Steve Macchia

So often we are confronted with environments that are not going to be very friendly to a prayerful process of discernment. In order to find the fullness of God’s design for us we may need the help of another. This ten-phase process (that has been used by the church for generations) can be your help. In this final episode of season 25, Steve shares pastoral reflections on the entire process of discernment. Drawing upon decades of ministry experience, Steve reminds us how crucial prayer is throughout the complete discernment process. Steve recounts how crucial it is we have the right people involved – those who have a heart for God and are more committed to the process of discernment than their own preconceived ideas. 

Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

 

Pastoral Reflections | A Process for Discernment, Episode 5 Read More »

The Faith-filled Conclusions (Phases 8, 9, 10) | A Process for Discernment, Episode 4

Host: Steve Macchia, Guests: John Pearson and Matt Scott

If we don’t do deliberation well, we torpedo all the good work we’ve done so far” – John Pearson

During the process of discernment, we must learn how to deliberate well before finally making a decision. John Pearson and Matt Scott return to the podcast to complete this four-part series on the 10 phase process for discernment. During phase 8 we deliberate in a manner that is grace-filled, loving and prayerful. Without this way of discussion, discernment goes off the rails and the most charismatic person in the room takes over. During phase 9, a decision is finally made. John and Steve discuss the important distinction between being united in a decision versus being unanimous. How the board or groups speaks about the decision is also important. During the final phase (10) the group enters into a process of review, evaluation and if necessary, starting the discernment process again. In this, the leader is charged to celebrate what God is doing because of the decision made.

Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

The Faith-filled Conclusions (Phases 8, 9, 10) | A Process for Discernment, Episode 4 Read More »

The Prayerful Process (Phases 4, 5, 6, and 7) | A Process for Discernment, Episode 3

Host: Steve Macchia | Guests: John Pearson and Matt Scott

Clarity and consolation are big words in the discernment process.” –  Steve Macchia

God is a God of clarity and not confusion and He wants His children to experience clarity. Through these phases of discernment, we experience greater clarity. John Pearson and Matt Scott return to the podcast to continue this masterclass in group discernment. Episode three expounds upon phases four through seven of the discernment process. In these phases we assemble the facts, critique our options, consider why we should not do something and finally consider why we should do something. Throughout the process we are invited to not merely give lip service to prayer, but to pause and seek the Lord’s face, bathing the entire process in prayer. 

Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

 

The Prayerful Process (Phases 4, 5, 6, and 7) | A Process for Discernment, Episode 3 Read More »

The Open-Hearted Approach (Phases 2, 3) | A Process for Discernment, Episode 2

Host: Steve Macchia | Guests: John Pearson and Matt Scott

I think we shortchange the Holy Spirit by not asking, ‘Lord, who do you want on this discernment team?’ It makes a world of difference.” –  John Pearson

Who is helping you discern? How willing are you to let go of your ideas and opinions? John Pearson and Matt Scott return to the podcast to phase two and three of the discernment process. In phase two we consider who the right people are to discern a decision. Matt shares from experience the benefit of inviting those people that know us best, love us most and are going to be impacted by our decision to the discernment process. In the church and nonprofit side, John and Steve encourage us to invite a representation of all those who are a part of the organization. The third phase deals with our willingness to let go of power and choose humility by holding our ideas and opinions with an open hand and an open heart. 

Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

 

 

The Open-Hearted Approach (Phases 2, 3) | A Process for Discernment, Episode 2 Read More »

The Big Question (Phase 1) | A Process for Discernment, Episode 1

Host: Steve Macchia, Guests: John Pearson and Matt Scott

The why question is a gutsy question. There’s a lot of people who need more guts as lead ministers.” –  John Pearson

Every day we are confronted with decision-making. Some decisions are obvious, others require us to wait. The most difficult decision-making is deciding between multiple options. In Season 25 of The Discerning Leader podcast, we will focus on the process of discernment. Drawing material from Chapter 8 of Steve’s book, The Discerning Life, John Pearson and Matt Scott join Steve Macchia for a conversation on the big question of decision making – the “why” question. John Pearson is a management and board governance consultant and author of many books, including Mastering the Management Buckets.

Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

 

The Big Question (Phase 1) | A Process for Discernment, Episode 1 Read More »

Can't find what you're looking for?