"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)
For most of us, discernment was either a non-existent component of Christian practice, or it was exercised with little discussion of the practice. The topic of community discernment is seldom explored in Christian writings or other teachings. This audio series seeks to explore many facets of community discernment, give language for these concepts and give groups specific tools they can use in community.
Each audio recording presents one or a few related topics. In those discussions you will find exploration of scripture, case studies, and practical helps to present actionable material for you and your discernment team.
This series could be completed alone or with a group. However, since the topic is community discernment, the listener is admonished to find at least one friend who can journey with you. It is far richer to explore this content alongside others!
23 Audio Teachings
This course includes 23 audio segments with a total run time of 10 hours. Along with each audio is a worksheet with two sets of reflective exercises. One set is to be completed before listening to the audio, and one set after you listen. These reflections are not content-based but are designed to help you be attentive to the state of your heart and attentive to God’s guidance. Every worksheet will have some sort of listening exercise alongside the other activities.
1. What is Discernment?
Defining the practice of Christian spiritual discernment
2. Why is Discernment in Teams so Difficult?
Exploring the complexities and challenges that haunt many discerning communities
3. Developing a Personal Rhythm
Establishing that our personal spiritual rhythms are essential to corporate discernment
4. Regulating Media
Considering strategies to mitigate the effects of media upon spiritual formation and discernment
5. Preparing the Space as a Leader
Creating an environment to safely and effectively practice discernment
6. Asking Good Questions and Guarding the Heart
Learning to focus on God's heart and accept personal formation as part of the discernment process
7. Releasing Personal Agendas
Strategies for cultivating a heart of indifference while discerning
8. Let Go of the Crusade to Know Everything
A careful look at our motives and urgency as we seek God's direction
9. Considering Desire
Exploring several facets of desire and how this impacts discernment
10. Enlisting Good Team Members
Considerations for selecting helpful team members before and during the discernment process
11. Setting Expectations
Discussing lessons learned in communicating expectations to the discernment team
12. Facilitating an Ordered Meeting
Helpful principles to facilitate an ordered and effective discernment meeting
13. The Safety Net of Discernment
Exploring God's design for practicing discernment in a safe, edifying and loving manner
14. Using Scripture to Consider a Word
Finding a healthy posture for applying Biblical truths to the active discernment process
15. The Power of Waiting
Exploring the central role and function of waiting as a discernment team
16. Good Habits for Listening Prayer
Strategies for facing tiredness and no sense of hearing God
17. Obstacles to Hearing from God
Discussion of common issues that make it difficult to listen for God's voice
18. Celebrate Team Diversity
Considerations for utilizing diversity rather than succumbing to the frustrations
19. Appreciate Your Season
Reflections on some of the seasons for discernment teams and how to lean into those times
20. Keep Up the Pursuit
Strategies to persevere as a discernment team even when you don't have the answers you seek
21. Test the Spirits
Discussion of the spiritual warfare that every discernment team will face
22. Upholding Unity
Defining true biblical unity and its paramount importance in corporate discernment
23. Networking Considerations
Strategies to navigate discernment efforts that are part of a multi-community network
24. Friends Model for Discernment
Overview of the Society of Friends model for discernment
Course cost
This course is free of charge.