In our individualistic society, it's easy to forget the vital importance of community in our spiritual

lives. Acts 13:1-3 provides us with a beautiful picture of communal discernment that challenges

our often solitary approach to decision-making:

Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon

called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the

tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said,

“Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after

they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off."

This passage reveals a profound truth: major decisions in the early church were not made in

isolation but in community. The decision to send Barnabas and Saul on their missionary journey

wasn't a unilateral choice made by one leader, but a collective process involving multiple

prophets and teachers, united in worship, fasting, and prayer.

As modern believers, we can draw significant wisdom from this example. While personal prayer

and reflection are crucial, there's immense value in seeking the collective wisdom and

discernment of our faith community. This communal approach to decision-making offers several

benefits:

1. Diverse Perspectives: Different members of the community bring varied gifts, experiences,

and insights. This diversity can provide a more comprehensive understanding of God's will.

2. Accountability: Community involvement helps safeguard against personal biases or

misinterpretations. It allows our ideas and perceived callings to be tested and refined.

3. Support: When decisions are made communally, they come with built-in support. The

community that discerns together is more likely to stand behind and support the resulting

actions.

4. Unity: The process of seeking God's will together fosters unity within the church. It reinforces

the idea that we are one body in Christ, working together for His purposes.

5. Confirmation: When multiple believers independently sense the same leading from God, it

can serve as a powerful confirmation of His will.

Implementing communal discernment in our lives might look like seeking counsel from mature

believers before making major decisions. It could involve bringing important matters before

small groups or church leadership for prayer and discussion. For churches, it might mean

creating spaces where members can collectively seek God's will on important issues. The goal

is to collectively discern the leading of the Holy Spirit.

As we face decisions in our personal lives and churches, let's embrace the power of community

discernment. Let's create spaces where we can collectively seek God's will, confident that as we

do so, we're more likely to align ourselves with His purposes.

By Jim Connell

Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com,

FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)