Communal Discernment in Organizational Planning: Interweaving, Inclusive and Incarnational Approaches to Missional Direction-Setting in Christian Churches and Organizations

Abstract

This research project explores and illuminates ways that practices of communal discernment can be interwoven with organizational planning processes to help a church or organization gain greater clarity around missional direction, a heightened sense of unity around shared purposes, and assurance of God's leading presence. A qualitative research methodology was utilized to field-test an integrated approach to prayer and planning in three different settings. The research indicates that the adoption of interweaving, inclusive and incarnational approaches to missional direction-setting, with emphasis on Scripture-focused listening prayer, can help churches and organizations overcome the divide between "spiritual" and "worldly" practices that often hampers planning efforts, and also cultivate learning communities that seek to follow God's direction into God's mission.