They use these skills to help their congregations listen for the Spirit rather than simply count votes. Warnes and co-pastor Julie Ebbesen introduced a time in meetings for silence, Scripture meditation and prayer, inviting members to reflect and ask God to guide their decisions for the good of the whole congregation. They also instituted personal moments at the close of a meeting so members can share how God spoke to them during that time. The results of more contemplative decision-making are striking to Faith's leadership. You could sense a feeling of calm and assurance that the decision would be clear because we made it in God's presence.
People are more willing to listen.
It's no longer a we-they thing. It's always our decision. Before it was more likely to turn angry. The pastors don't have to pretend they are the experts with all the right answers. Wisdom is shared by all in the body.