Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Decision Making

I can't tell you how many times I've longed for Jesus to meet me at Starbucks, share conversation over a mocha Frappe (Jesus would drip a Frappe wouldn't he?) and allow me to grill him with questions as I ponder a life decision.

I've only been at Greenville for a couple of months and yet I've already been faced with some of the most difficult ministry decisions I've ever had to make (and that's not counting the plethora of family decisions I've had to make and are still working through). It's rough. You pray, you converse among leaders, you seek wisdom from mentors and godly people and then...you pray, you converse among leaders, you seek wisdom from mentors and godly people. And yet with all of that, it's still so difficult to make a decision. It's like, can't Jesus just meet me at Starbucks:)

And then I read this morning about how the apostles did it. Judas killed himself and they needed to bring on a replacement and so they chose two men among them who fit the criteria, they prayed and said, "God, you know the hearts of these men. We don't. Show us your choice." And then it happened. They cast lots. That's it! I'm going back to casting lots. It's a whole lot more clear cut and leaves less room for me to screw it up.

Do you think they drew straws?

8 comments:

Lynn said...

Drawing straws???? Casting lots???? Sounds like just another can of worm!!!!

Seriously, you are doing a great job. I know the decisions that you have been faced with have been difficult, but you are doing it the right way. It seems to me that God has always led you and will continue to do so...

Just remember... you can't please everyone...even JESUS couldn't please everyone...and actually I see Jesus as a drinker of bold coffee... no cream... no sugar... just going straight for the real deal!!!

Anonymous said...

Only makes sense that a church trying to be a NT church would practice what the Apostles practiced :)

Anonymous said...

Sounds like 2 pretty smart women there! lol aunt Sandi

Anonymous said...

Talk about passing the test!!!!

I, for one, am campaigning hard to get everyone to draw a straw because that just means that they're in the game. Please be patient with us as we seek God's face and voice in our quest to be Christ-like. Just know that we are of the mindset that this is OUR church, and we are willing and ready to come back into the fold as true sisters and brothers in Christ. It may take some time and a lot of "God talks", but we're truly looking forward to the future with you at the helm. God bless you for putting up with us!

Anonymous said...

I personally have been battling the issue of prayer ever since Amy died. You might say, "evidently your faith wasn't very strong then". I read the Bible and it seemed so obvious then; God actually spoke directly to people in the Old Testament and Jesus guided the New Testament people, but us....I just don't know. Am I praying and then hearing my own voice when I think it is from God? Sometimes I can't help but wonder if we hear what we want to hear.

Anonymous said...

First of all, I think Jesus would really enjoy Heine Brothers Coffee. Second, in all decisions, make the call which you believe after much prayer and consistent with your considerable ministerial experience will best honor Christ. Even when leaders make the best of decisions, many will agree and some will always disagree. As for me, I know you're a prayerful man and I trust your judgement. Go for it, then come over for a cup of coffee. Tony

Jeremy said...

Lynn hit the nail on the head... you can't please everyone all the time. I know you know that and that's why you are in constant prayer seeking Dad's advice. You know He will give it just make sure your listening for it. Thanks for all you are doing for OUR church (meaning the people) and me.

Courtney said...

Casting lots, drawing straws, whatever is necessary. But do it prayerfully (which I know you will). A lot of comments talked about not pleasing everyone, and they are absoultely right. The only One you need be concerned with pleasing is your Lord and Master. Keep this in the forefront, and you can't go wrong.