THE ORIGINAL SOURCE FOR WOMEN'S LEADERS SINCE 2001

6 Steps to Decision Making

The Art of Making Decisions Part 1

Julia Bettencourt

Shew me thy ways, O LORD…" Psalm 25:4 (KJV)

Making decisions in any part of life is essential and making decisions in women’s ministry is no different. It’s just that when you make decisions regarding women’s ministry in the local church it can affect a lot of things. It can affect people. It can affect the outcome of a particular project. It can affect the direction of ministry. We have to be careful in our decision-making process, especially when it involves major decisions.

First we need to do some simple things.

6 Steps to Decision Making in Women's Ministry

1. Pray About Decisions

Prayer plays a big role in everything that we do and when making decisions regarding ministry, prayer should always be at the top of the list.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5 (KJV)

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7 (KJV)

2. Make Biblically Based Decisions

In ministry it is essential to make sure your decisions are biblical. Is there anything in the decision you are planning to make that is contrary to God’s Word? Is it within biblical guidelines and principles?

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16,17 (KJV)

3. Allow Room for the Holy Spirit to Work in Decisions

One area we need to concentrate on when making decisions is to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 (KJV)

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30 (KJV)

4. Use Counsel in Decision Making

We are given a few guidelines in the Bible that we should not overlook. One is using counsel. We need to seek those people out who are mature in the faith and that will help us in an unbiased way.

Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14 (KJV)

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: Proverbs 1:5 (KJV)

5. Consider the Cause and Effect of Decisions

The next area to consider is the cause and effect of the decision in question. What will the outcome be and what other things will be affected by this one decision? There will be trickle down effects to many of the decisions that are made within ministry.

The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. Proverbs 14:15 (KJV)

We don’t want to be tearing down our ministry, but building it up and our decisions should reflect that.

Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. Proverbs 14:1 (KJV)

Consider how everything is going to be at the end. Some decisions are heart wrenching, but you have to get through it so get through by weighing all the options and get through it patiently.

Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Ecclesiastes 7:8 (KJV)

6. Make Decisions Without Being Hasty

Some decisions will not take as much thought and time. Some decisions that need to be made are time sensitive and must be acted upon in a timely manner. As a leader you may be called upon to make decisions on the spur of the moment, and you should be prepared for those when they come up. However, major decisions warrant a good deal of time to mull them over and think about them for a while before acting.

That old adage, “Haste makes waste” is so true. There are many verses in the Bible about being hasty in our actions.

Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. Proverbs 19:2 (KJV)

The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want. Proverbs 21:5 (KJV)

Conclusion

We have to keep our decisions a matter of prayer. We have to keep them lined up with God’s Word and be sensitive to the Lord’s leading. You will need to seek godly advice so be sure to have someone in place that you can go to on these matters.

Decisions that we make as leaders can have all kinds of effects, so we have to weigh what we do in ministry very carefully. We have to ask questions and we have to seek out wisdom regarding these things.

Above all, we need to rely on the Lord to guide us and the only way to do that is to stay in fellowship with Him. Read His Word, pray, and be sensitive and open to His direction.

Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Psalm 25:4,5 (KJV)

Read the rest of this series.