How do Presbyterians make decisions? (I realize that sounds like an opening line to a joke just waiting for a punch line.) It is actually a serious and theological question: How do people of faith, and in particular, Presbyterians, make important decisions? The short answer is that we make decisions thoughtfully, collegially, and prayerfully. Let’s take a moment to consider each of those characteristics.
Of the many things said about our denomination, I don’t believe Presbyterians have ever been accused of being impetuous. When I have preached in Baptist churches, I have commented that the Holy Spirit is active in Presbyterian worship just as it moves in Baptist services; it just moves quite a bit slower for Presbyterians! We have always been a deliberative denomination. We value the God-given gift of human reason. We believe there is value in looking at issues from both sides, lest we exclude or too easily dismiss another person’s point of view. We always try to speak with clarity, which requires study, reflection and preparation. So, more often than not, our decisions are made thoughtfully.
What makes Presbyterianism a distinctive branch of the Protestant family tree is our polity—how we organize ourselves as churches. Ministers (teaching elders) and Session members (ruling elders) are both ordained to service in the church, and work together to make decisions for the well-being of the entire congregation. Ideally it is not done in a hierarchical, top-down model, but always mutually and fair. Committees meet to consider options and make recommendations. Congregational meetings and individual input is always a part of any important decision. And broader conversations with other churches, Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly offices are ways that our “connectional” type of church government is lived out in our life and ministry.
As important as it is to be thoughtful and collegial, there is no denying that the critical part of the entire process is being prayerful. We daily awake into God’s world, a place of Christ’s redeeming and the Spirit’s active presence. The first question we should ask ourselves is “How might I serve God faithfully today?” Congregations ask themselves the same question: “What is the ministry Christ is leading us to fulfill right now?” Committees, Deacon boards, Sessions gather to discern the will and good pleasure of God. Taking time to deliberate and pray aids this work. Listening to other voices collegially makes sure this prayerful service is just and inclusive. Giving thanks to God throughout the decision-making process guarantees that our priorities are in the right place.
This is the Thanksgiving season—both as a national holiday and in the culmination of our Stewardship Campaign. As a church, we are looking ahead to what the Lord is calling us to be and do. As individuals, we also make decisions on how to live our lives faithfully and joyfully. May you make all your decisions as a good Presbyterian, knowing that “in life and in death, we belong to God.”