Scripture likens God’s people to “the sheep of his pasture” (Ps. 100:3), with the Lord as their Shepherd (Ps. 23:1). Note what the psalmist found when God had this role in his life. — “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” (Ps. 23:1) — God makes many decisions on our behalf to keep us safe, nurtured, healthy, growing sheep. That takes much wisdom, of which the Lord has unlimited supply (Ps. 147:5; Rom. 11:33).
Church leaders are not the Shepherd described in Psalm 23, but they are called to be shepherds of God’s flock under their care (1 Pet. 5:2). It only makes sense that we would make wise decisions in alignment with His. So, let’s look at decisions He’s made for our good and determine how it should guide our decision-making.
Wisdom Needed in Decision-Making
As we continue in Psalm 23, we read what the Lord does for us so we lack nothing. Church leaders need to exercise wisdom in decision-making to do their part as His under-shepherds. Here are some areas for which they need to make wise decisions:
Facilities Management and Church Safety — He makes me lie down in green pastures,
The Lord, our Shepherd, knows the kind of pasture we need to find rest and refreshment. As leaders we too must make decisions about the facilities in which we do ministry. We need wisdom for how to make it safe and most conducive to the kind of place people can meet and find nourishment for their souls.
Change and Conflict Management — he leads me beside quiet waters,
Shepherds purposefully look for quiet waters to keep the stress and anxiety levels down while sheep drink. A turbulent environment puts sheep on edge. We need wisdom for how to proactively work toward a calm and peaceful environment so we proceed in ways that minimize obstacles to people’s receptivity to freely drink the Living Water we extend to them (Jn. 4:14).
Church Discipline — he refreshes (restores) my soul.
Shepherds bring wayward sheep back to the fold, and refreshment to those that are stressed. We need wisdom in discerning the condition of the sheep (Prov. 27:23) so we know how to best minister to their needs to build up and strengthen them with the goal of restoration.
Strategic Planning and Vision Casting — He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Shepherds take sheep on the paths that will get them where they need to go. We need wisdom in deciding on ministry strategies that will accomplish God’s intent for people’s lives. We need His vision of where He wants to take us.
Results of Shepherds Making Wise Decisions
When we make wise decisions in alignment with the Lord who is our Shepherd, people will experience similar results.
1) They will be able to navigate life with confidence.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
2) They will have assurance of protection and guidance.
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
3) They will have what they need to be overcomers, to rise above.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
4) They will sense God’s blessing in their lives.
You anoint my head with oil;
5) They will realize that they have more than what they need in Him which leads to a life a gratitude.
my cup overflows.
6) They will have tools to navigate life not just today but also into the future.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
7) They will have a sense of hope and security.
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Help Deciding Wisely in All Situation
Since we don’t have the depth of wisdom the Lord our Shepherd has (Rom. 11:33), we will need help with decision-making that aligns with Him. Let’s remember that all we have to do is ask. — If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)
For More on Shepherding, Go To: Resources to Help Leaders in Their Role as Shepherds
All Posts about Decision-Making:
- Making Decisions That Line Up
- Decision-Making Questions for Lining Up
- If You Find Yourself Making All the Decisions
- Pluses & Minuses of Getting Others Involved in Decision Making
- Who Makes the Final Decision?
- Stifled in Decision-Making?
- Rushed Decisions
- Delayed Decisions
- Derailed Decisions
- Retrofitted Decisions
- Decisions Reveal Faith in God’s Power?
- Decisions You Don’t Have to Be Ashamed to Make
- Decisions Examined at Foot of the Cross
- Making Decisions from a Place of Humility
- Making Wise Decisions
- Making Decisions Void of Legalism
- Foolish Not to Pray
- Wisdom & Discernment Needed
- Decisions from a Renewed Mind
- Equipped for Making Good Decisions
- The Spirit Helps Us Make the Right Decisions, the Right Way
- The Spirit Provides Guidance and Wisdom in Decision-Making
- Decisions Worthy of Bearing His Name
- Strongholds Affecting Decision-Making
- How to Demolish Strongholds So We Make the Best Decisions
- Protection for the Decision-Making Process
- Decisions Made from Our Raised Position
- Setting an Example in Decision Making
- Servanthood Affects Decision Making
- Leader Qualities that Keep Decisions on the Right Track
- Shepherds Make Wise Decisions