Customer Reviews

Discerning God's Will Together: A Spiritual Practice for the Church

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Tired of the usual administrative hassle using the church's version of Parliamentary procedure, I turned to this book, which promised a more spiritual way of making decisions. Imagine decision-making based on an understanding of spirituality instead of legalisms! Morris and Olsen offer such a practice through their discernment process. (They get a little cute as they explore the process and coin words based on discernment, but that can be excused.) This is a fine book. It allows those who feel intimidated by the rules of parliamentary proceduce to move beyond that and offers the timid fresh ways to act on their convictions.

The book has a helpful chart that shows the step-by-step process of moving toward discernment. I found the illustrations helpful and the cover art connects with the ancient tradition of the church and represents a sense of listening for God.

Morris rightly elevates the role of the faith community in the process of discernment and decision-making. He states that individual discernment has limitations; God's will for the world and the church requires corporate discernment. While the process of discernment does recognize the insights of individuals, "it also looks to the wisdom of the whole community as people talk to one another, come to consensus, and take action." The aim is to "see where the Spirit rests." The author suggests that decision making should take place in the context of worship where the agenda is offered to God. Church business sessions should include elements of prayer, song, affirmations of faith, Bible study, story telling, silence and celebration. Morris's message is summarized in these words: "Decision making can no longer be defined as doing what we think is best; it should be a search for the mind and will of God within a community of people with whom God has chosen to dwell."

I am especially interested in steering my congregation toward spiritual discernment to determine it's mission and it future. I purchased this book to learn more about how it could be taught to small groups. I found it's step by step method very helpful.