Pastor’s eNote: Weekly Update

Discernment vs. Deciding

When our church community gathered for our Town Hall meeting on February 1, we talked about the difference between the words “discerning” and “deciding.” Humans are used to making decisions. We can make too many decisions in one day resulting in what psychologists call “decision fatigue.” Ever wonder why binging TV or eating a box of cookies looks more attractive in the evening than in the morning? Now you know.

Discernment is something quite different. Discernment is patient and can be silent. Discernment requires us to listen to voice of God speaking in the experience of others and to listen what the Lord is saying to us. No one has a corner on the voice of God. Discernment requires community. Even if we are faced with a choice affecting only ourselves, we often convene others like a “kitchen cabinet” to be reflective with us. (Think of “cabinet” like that of a President.)

The goal of decision is to make it and move on. The goal of discernment is to follow the leadership of the Spirit. Decisions are not bad. They may not always be the best tool to use when issues are complex or subjective.

“Discerning the truth requires that we look at an issue or event in a wholistic way, perhaps through ten different eyes, or ten different perspectives on the table.” Dr. Eric H.F. Law, Holy Currencies

Discernment is the work we did at the February 1 Town Hall meeting. The Leadership Team of FFMC is weighing all the input from the Town Hall meeting when it gathers Thursday evening. Pray for them at 7:00 p.m. THIS Thursday as they discern the next steps for our church. There is more discernment to come!

Grace to You All,

Pastor Craig Brown
(February 18, 2025)