The Case
The board approved the plan for Project Mustard Seed. But some board members began having second thoughts. "I think Project Mustard Seed is a great idea," one said. "But maybe we should have waited. Right now, we should really be spending more time visiting all the groups in the church and make them feel supported before starting something new." Other members of the board began to agonize about whether they had made the right choice: Was it too late to back out? What would people who had been asked to participate in Mustard Seed think if the board pulled the program? Would the idea ever get off the ground?
What Would You Do?
What Happened
I was still stewing over the dilemma when I was vacationing in England. While touring the annual flower festival in a small Welsh village, I saw a display of the book I had just written titled Waiting. Alongside the stack of books was a flower pot with mustard seeds sprinkled over the top. The object lesson was a powerful confirmation of what God wanted done with Project Mustard Seed. The board readily agreed to put the program on hold till a later time. Leadership doesn't always equal certainty. We are quite willing and able to press ahead when we have no doubts. But we live as imperfect people in an imperfect world. True leadership sees the inevitable ambiguities of ministry yet has the spiritual sensitivity and resolve to advance through them. Adapted from Who's in Charge? (Multnomah Books, 1993). Used with permission.
Discuss
2. When is it better to wait for consensus on a decision rather than a simple majority before proceeding? 3. Suggest some ways we can deal with people's doubts or criticism of a board decision.    Launching New Services and SitesIs now the time?  Church Staff EvaluationsEvaluations are an essential way to help employees grow in their careers while keeping the church healthy. Evaluating Group Discussions How well do you practice these principles of small-group discussions?
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