Read Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2). ReflectWe can make decisions regarding the church, trusting that they are within the will of God, provided we meet the following criteria. 1. Seek God. Before anything else, we must seek God, praying for his will to be revealed. Praying itself is the will of God. We should get advice from godly counselors about the will of God. We should wait for God, grow in wisdom, ponder the Word of God, and worship God. These disciplines are the will of God. Seeking God is our fundamental purpose in life. Seeking God to know his will for the future of the church is part of a larger whole. 2. Pursue your calling. When we ask a child, "What do you want to do when you grow up?" we expect to hear something like "I want to be a doctor." Yet this child will learn, as all of us learn, that a calling is really a set of multiple responsibilities based on circumstances, talents, vision, and intuition. Doing the will of God requires that I make choices that are congruent with these various responsibilities. Likewise, church leaders must make choices that are congruent with the various programs, responsibilities, and callings of the church. 3. Obey God's moral commands. Scripture establishes moral boundaries within which we come to know the will of God. Some actions are clearly out of line. I do not have to pray for God's will if I am considering marriage to an unbeliever, or if the church is asked to host a questionable activity, such as gambling. Some motives are unacceptable, too. It is not God's will for us to seek positions of leadership if we are motivated by avarice and pride or if they cause us to neglect other responsibilities, such as marriage and family. 4. Be open to God's leading. At times, God speaks clearly to us about the future, showing us in no uncertain terms what we should do. He may close all doors but one. He may speak through the counsel of a fellow believer. Or he may show us intuitively what to do. Other times, though, he is silent. In such situations, I think it's wise to assume that God is clear when he needs to be. If we are confronted with a choice and have prayed, fasted, sought counsel, studied Scripture, and waited on God, and no answer comes, perhaps both options are within the will of God, and he will bless us no matter which one we choose. Adapted from Discipleship Journal (Jan/Feb 1998). Used with permission. Discuss
   Vision Casting and PlanningEvaluate your vision and communicate it clearly.  Leaders & FamilyLeaders must lead and serve their teams, but they also must do the same for their families. Develop an Intentional Loving Plan Shepherding Plan Assessments These surveys can help you identify areas of strength and weakness in yourself and in your leaders.
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