In discernment it is not enough to seek the consensus of church members. What we are seeking is the will of God in a particular matter. What is important is not our opinions, but God s leading. Discernment requires us to let God be God in our lives and in the church. This means letting go of our own need to win, be right, or to control the outcome.
True discernment brings about conversion in individuals and in the whole church.
Trust God s Spirit to guide and lead us in personal and corporate discernment Having faith in each other to hear from God Are willing to do God s will even before we know it. Are persevering in practices of prayer and scripture reading and open to learn from church history and tradition. Have a positive view of conflict. The values, beliefs, and purpose of the discerning community inform the guiding principle. Shedding is naming and laying aside anything that will deter a person or group from focusing on God s will as the ultimate value.