Leadership in Ministry Session 11
Leadership in Ministry Session 11
Leadership in Ministry Session 11
LEADERSHIP IN MINISTRY
SESSION 11
DECISION MAKING AND GOD’S WILL
I. OBJECTIVES
By the end of this session the student should be able too….
II. INTRODUCTION
“Every decision is like surgery. It is an intervention into a system and therefore carries
with it the risk of shock.” (Peter Drucker in The Effective Executive)
“Do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (Paul in Ephesians 5:17)
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs
14:12)
B. Thus, it is imperative to get to know our God, not just seek out His will. (Psalm
59: 9, 17; 62: 1 – 2, 5 – 8, 11 – 12)
BEWARE – the Binary Trap: “It is either this or that; should we do this or
not?” Assumes there are only two choices, limiting the alternatives and
options.
BEWARE – the Intuitive trap: “I feel like this is the right decision, that settles
it.” Assumes that we don’t need to think if we have an “impression” or
feelings.
BEWARE: the voting trap: “How many are in favor?” Assumes that voting
shows us God’s will and/or by – passes conflict.
A. He will get us where we need to be (Jeremiah 29: 11 – 13) if we seek Him, trust
Him and respond to Him in faith.
B. God knows how much we do know, how much we don’t know, and how much we
need to know. Seek facts and input, especially from wise counselors. Then
decide, obey by faith! (James 1: 5 – 8, 12)
EVANGELICAL THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE
OF THE PHILIPPINES- LUZON, INC.
Lot 1 Block 1 Valley Hills Subd., Valley Golf, Cainta Rizal 1900
C. God can and will override our decisions to get us where He wants us to go. But
don’t be foolish, be wise! (Proverbs 16: 9; 19: 21; 20:24)
VII. GOD WILL GUIDE US CHIEFLY THROUGH WISDOM. (Matthew 7: 7 – 11; Proverbs
3: 5 -6; 15:33)
Involving our heart – Ask. Desiring to know and do God’s will; seek Him, trusting He
will guide. Bathe the process in prayer (Heb 11:6). Trust God, not the process! Stop and
pray often. Attitude
Involving our mind – Seek. Discovering and evaluating facts and the alternatives.
(Proverbs 18: 13; 11: 14; 15:22) Soak the mind and heart in God’s Word. Listen to God
speaking through godly/competent counselors. Listen to God in an ongoing
“conversational dependency.” Knowledge
Involving our will – Knock. Acting by faith on God’s leading, test the decision.
(Romans 12: 1 – 2). Action
“________________________________________________”
Make the objectives measurable if you can – how much, when, how
many?
C. Step Three – Explore Alternatives (Proverbs 18: 15; 17: 24; 29: 12)
NOTE: In most day – to – day decisions, these first three steps are enough to
make clear the alternative. In more complex or important decisions, explore
the next four steps in details.
D. Step Four – Gather the Facts (Proverbs 18: 2, 13, 15; 15: 14)
E. Step Five – Evaluate the Alternative (Proverbs 4: 6 – 7; 14: 8, 15; Psalm 119:
125)
G. Step Seven – Test the “Best” Alternative (Proverbs 14: 12; Phil 1: 9 – 11)
1. Discuss the decision (and the decision making process) with trusted
advisors. Do we have blind spots in thinking, lack of clarity, unseen
alternatives? (Prov 15:22)
2. Continue to wait on God if we can for His factual confirmation and/or
peace.
3. Step out in faith and be ready for mid – course confirmation or correction.