Decisions

Written by cycleguy on January 2nd, 2013

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know this one truth: some people are decision-makers; others are decision-hesitators.  (Spell check tells me that is not a word).  Some are on-the-spot deciders; others take eons.   Wilfred Peterson is credited with saying

Decision is the spark that ignites action.  Until a decision is made, nothing happens.

After evaluating the weather forecasts and receiving input from his high officials, Gen. Eisenhower said, “Let ‘er rip.”  That single command launched the largest invasion in military history and sent thousands of men to their deaths.  It also signaled the end of Nazi Germany.  If you have seen Saving Private Ryan you know a little of that offensive.

Churches are often slammed for the red tape and inability to make decisions, of often living in the past.  Much of that is deserved.  But sometimes it is undeserved.  Some maintain a steadfastness to their Mission-of why they are here.  The leadership knows that to follow another path might not be good for them.  I was often guilty of this.  In an effort to “cash in on the next best thing” I had read or heard about, I would pursue a “line” that took me away from  what was best.   Let me give you an example:

When Jim Casey started his company, his motto was “To provide the best service all the time.”  That statement let him to stay open all night, seven days a week, even though not many called for night service. He wanted his customers to know he could be counted on ’round the clock.

Because he believed the best service consisted of many things done well, he insisted his messengers wear uniforms complete with caps and their shoes be freshly polished.  Trucks were washed every day before leaving.

Casey knew anyone could deliver packages.  But he believed quality service was the one thing his company offered.  In the early days his company handled 50 calls a day, using bicycles as their main means of transportation.  Today the company he built-UPS-ships more than 12 million packages a day.  Large or small his stand was better service.

Using that story as a backdrop, many churches in an effort to get bigger or to compete with the big dogs, often compromise principles like “good service.”  Excellence.  Recently I had two ladies who wanted to get my thoughts on starting a Ladies Ministry that would not just focus on ourselves. Because it fits our Mission Statement, I encouraged them to move on it.  (FYI: they did not have to clear it through me.  They felt it was a sign of respect to keep me informed)  🙂

What leads you to make decisions?  What leads your church community to make decisions?  I’d like to hear your thoughts.

 

11 Comments so far ↓

  1. Bill, I’m still in the process of figuring that out in our new church. We have elders, but they end up bringing decisions to the church.

    • cycleguy says:

      it is always interesting how churches differ. Some elders make all the decisions leaving out the church. Others include them in all decisions. I wonder if a balance is possible. I think the eldership I work with is trying for that.

  2. Daniel says:

    I am a professional decision maker at work. I manage multi-million dollar projects and have to make critical choices regularly. I have gotten pretty good at this. However, in my personal life, my instincts often desert me and I become timid. Wonder why this is?

    As for my church community, I have no part in any decisions. These decisions are made by others hidden away in back rooms.

  3. We have three guiding principles–Praise the Lord, Prepare the Laborers, and Proclaim Jesus to the Lost. This is how we try to make decisions.

  4. floyd says:

    We’re all forced to make decisions on a daily basis, from small things with kids to big things with our lives and in business where it has an effect on many lives and families.

    Without wisdom from God the decisions will be wrong… It’s that simple. When we make decisions in our flesh they rarely turn out right. Seeking God in a daily and weekly way naturally leads us to make better decisions.

    We will still struggle with some of them, but I think that leads to wisdom, especially when we’re diligently seeking His will.

    I hope that doesn’t sound like the pat “Christian” answer. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way, time and time again…

  5. You are so right, Bill. I’ve done it wrong and done it right (and I’m sure I’ll repeat that many times over). The bottom line is what are you about? What has God given your specific church body to do and be? Holding out because it’s “not what we’re used to” is no good and making hasty jumps into something trendy isn’t either. I’ve been meditating on Proverbs 21:5 over the last week or so and I think it applies here: The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage,
    But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty. Great reminder here, Bill. Thanks.

  6. Debbie says:

    Thanks for getting us to think about this, Pastor Bill. How do I make decisions? I try to pray first and listen for Him to help me know what to do! I haven’t been able to go to church for quite awhile, but believe that all the members are invited to meetings, where decisions are voted on. Or at least some decisions are voted on. God bless you!

  7. I tend to be pretty impulsive as far as making some decisions. But recently, I’ve come to appreciate the value of good counsel. I’ll meet with a few trusted mentors and friends for advice – and I’ve found that to be invaluable. I guess that doesn’t really affect my decisiveness per se, just the decision that I end up making.
    I’ve never really thought about why I’m so decisive, to be honest. I guess it stems from the realization that our time is limited and that decisions need to be made. I also saw decisiveness modeled (in good and potentially bad ways) growing up, and I just can’t stand indecisive people 🙂