Before You Make That Big Decision, Pause for Discernment

In leadership, not every decision is between good and bad options. Sometimes, the most challenging choices are between two good ones. When the stakes are high and the direction isn’t clear, the most faithful step isn’t action—it’s discernment.

That’s the central theme of a recent episode of The Next Sunday Podcast, where Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer sit down to unpack what it means to lead with discernment. 

Discernment is More Than Just a Process–It’s a Posture

It’s very common for leaders to feel pressure to move fast, especially in seasons of growth or transition. But fast decisions aren’t always faithful ones. Discernment invites you to slow down, to listen, and to align your choices with God's purpose for your life and ministry.

Discernment isn’t reserved for the spiritually elite. It’s for every leader making meaningful choices: when to launch a new campus, how to prioritize budget decisions, whether to shift staff roles, or how to pace a capital campaign.

The Scarcity of Stillness

It is easy to default to productivity over prayer, as Frank highlights. In our effort to move things forward, we often forget the value of spiritual stillness. But discernment grows best in silence and reflection.

Rather than asking, "What should we do next?" the better question might be: "What is God inviting us to do next?"

One Decision That Shapes the Rest

Frank shares a powerful insight: "One big decision can simplify a hundred smaller ones." When leaders take time to seek God and clarify a foundational direction, it reduces the noise and brings peace into future choices.

At Generis, we see this play out all the time. When church leaders commit to a clear vision for generosity, discipleship, or expansion, it unlocks clarity for everything else. It becomes the filter through which other decisions are made.

Practical Discernment for Ministry Leaders

Whether you're preparing for a year-end campaign or thinking about a building project, these questions can guide your discernment:

• Have I made space to listen for God's direction?
• Who are the trusted voices I should invite into this decision?
• Am I acting from faith or from fear?
• Is this decision aligned with our church’s true mission?

Don’t Discern Alone

You don’t have to figure it all out in isolation. Wise discernment happens in community.Before you make that next big decision, hit pause. Listen. Pray. Invite others in. Because discernment isn’t just about avoiding mistakes; it’s about stewarding your leadership in a way that honors God and multiplies kingdom impact.

At Generis, we help church leaders clarify vision, align teams, and make mission-minded decisions—especially in moments that shape the future. So, if you need a sounding board for your next big ministry decision, let us know, we'd love to help. Connect with our team to explore what that could look like.

Listen to the Next Sunday episode here: Episode Link