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Determining God’s Direction for Ministry Moves
By Paul | August 7, 2007
Divine Unction
God begins to prompt your heart in ways that let you know that a change may be about to take place. I have described it in terms like: “God has lifted the burden of a certain ministry” or “I no longer have a long term vision for a particular place.” One must be careful that those feelings do not come as a result of discouragement. If that were the case, then all pastors would, at some time, feel this way on most Monday mornings. Caution must also be used when one becomes angry or frustrated at people or circumstances in their place of service. Instead of dealing with the issue directly, it would be easy to believe that God is leading in a move away from that field. When you are beginning to sense feelings that God may be about to move you, it is a time for much prayer and seeking of God’s guidance. Over a period of days and weeks, those feelings will settle and reveal if it was just emotion or actually the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Details
I have found that when God is leading you to take a step of faith or make a major change, He will be in the details. In our particular case, our house sold without ever even mentioning it was for sale. I have seen this happen twice. That does not mean it will happen that way with you, but it was a confirmation to us after we were already feeling that God was leading us to move. Financial needs and the right timing were other factors that God seemed to work out for us.
Family
This is a major factor for me. If my wife begins to sense we are moving, I really sit up and take notice. My children have always played a major role in determining what God wanted us to do. I have always been honest with them in the decision process, and they have always been an encouragement during that time. It is another confirmation for me when they sense God moving and are involved in the seeking process.
Desire
I believe that God puts a desire and vision in your heart for the new place of service. It is not “the grass is greener on the other side” feeling, but one of honest evaluation. The desire comes from struggle with knowing exactly what you are getting into and still believing that is what God wants you to do. It is not running from current problems in your place of service.
Struggle
As I read about characters like Abraham, Moses, Nehemiah, Paul, and Peter, I see a struggle at times for them to discern and follow God’s will for their lives. It did not make sense at times, yet after a struggle they obeyed. It’s always a time of intense struggle to try and decide if God is leading you in a major change. I always feel as if I have wrestled with myself and the Lord during a time of discerning His will.
Wise Counsel
I have always consulted with one or two godly, trustworthy men when I am trying to discern God’s leading in my life. You can at least seek their prayer support. There are not many people like that in my life, but I do listen carefully to their counsel. They do not always see the issue the same way that I do and sometimes will disagree. However, their support and counsel help guide me in the struggle.
Peace
Finally, after the decision is made there is “the peace of God, which surpasses every thought” (Phil 4:7). Even when you know that hearts are broken because you are switching ministries, and a certain fear exists because of the unknowns in the future place of service, there is peace that comes from God. There is always some residue of doubt as we make those hard decisions. I ask God to make it so clear to me that I would have no doubts. I have asked God in different ways for some specific things to happen to help me know without a doubt. I am not suggesting “laying out a fleece” necessarily, but I am suggesting that you admit your real feelings and ask God for something that only you and He would know to make the answer crystal-clear. I am always afraid that it would appear to someone else that I was making a deal with God, “If you do this, then I will go.” However, I believe God wants you to know His will clearly and that He is willing to communicate in ways that you can clearly understand.
God may not write His answer in the sky for you or call you on the telephone, but He will lead you through varied ways. The struggle is real and may take days, weeks, and even months. However, you will come away from that experience closer to the Lord in your walk with Him and stronger in your faith.
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