Congregational Discernment Information
GFBC members are engaged in a process of congregational discernment regarding future directions for our church. Active participation by all members is encouraged. Below are links to resources and studies that have been used during this process.
Primary sources:
- Farrington, D. K. (2003). Hearing with the heart: A gentle guide to discerning God's will for your life. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. (Amazon.com page)
- Johnson, L. T. (1996). Scripture & discernment: Decision making in the church. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press. (Amazon.com page)
- Morris, D. E., & Olsen, C. M. (1997). Discerning God’s will together: A spiritual practice for the church. Bethesda, MD: Alban Institute. (Amazon.com page)
Primary Materials:
- January 6 sermon, "Discernment: Finding God's Will Together" mp3
- January 13 sermon, "Eyes that See" mp3
- Facts Sheet from January 13 presentation pdf
- Notes from January 27 Sunday School lesson pdf
- Notes from February 3 Sunday School lesson pdf
- Sheet to prepare and bring to February 10 dinner pdf
- Overview of process and options to be weighed (February 24 Enabler article) pdf
- Option 1, pros and cons (March 2) pdf
- Option 2, pros and cons (March 9) pdf
- Option 3, pros and cons (March 16) pdf
- Sample consensus ballot (April 6 Enabler article) pdf
- Additional Facts Sheet (April 6) pdf
- May 18 Report to Congregation pdf
- May 28 presentation pdf
- June 1 vote on discernment outcome pdf
Other Relevant Materials:
- On consensus:
- On Conflict and Consensus: A Handbook on Formal Consensus Decision-Making html
- Wikipedia entry on consensus decision making html
- open politics essay on consensus decision making html
- "Out of Silence: The Practice of Congregational Discernment" html
- "Fear Factor Neutralized: Stepping out in Faith" pdf
- Links to resources provided by the Congregational Discernment Project at George Fox University html
- One church's approach to congregational discernment html