Becoming a Discerning Church: Finding God’s Movement in Our Time

In a world where many church leaders struggle to identify where God is moving, instead, I believe there’s always a divine movement happening - we just need to learn how to recognize it and join it. This message introduces a year-long journey toward becoming a more discerning church community.

What Does It Mean to Be a Discerning Church?

The call to become a discerning church centers on three fundamental questions that should guide our spiritual journey:

* Where is the movement of God these days?

* What exactly is that movement?

* How do we jump on board and foster that movement in our worship, groups, outreach, and service?

Many pastors today admit they have no idea where God is moving, but this shouldn’t discourage us. Instead, it should motivate us to develop our spiritual discernment more intentionally.

Why Is Discernment So Important Right Now?

If you already feel your church community is discerning, the challenge becomes even greater: to become more discerning. This isn’t about reaching a destination but about continually growing in our ability to recognize God’s work in the world around us.

The goal is to help lead the way for others in the church, using the Spirit’s guidance to develop deeper spiritual insight and wisdom.

How Can We Develop Better Discernment?

Through Historical Understanding

One powerful approach to developing discernment involves studying how God has worked throughout history. The Bible serves as a history book, showing us patterns of how God has deconstructed and reconstructed the focus and practices of God’s people.

These changes seem to happen in waves of approximately 400-500 years, creating what some scholars call “rummage sales” of Christian faith and practice.

Through Examining Biblical Patterns

A seven-week historical study reveals fascinating patterns in how God works:

Ancient Foundations (400 BCE): The book of Malachi shows us God’s people grappling with spiritual renewal after exile.

Jesus’ Prophetic Imagination: The Gospels of Luke and Matthew reveal how Jesus challenged existing religious structures.

Early Church Response: The Book of Acts demonstrates how the early church responded to Jesus’ prophetic vision.

Medieval Transitions (589 CE): The rise of popes and monks, with the Book of Job providing crucial insights.

The Great Schism (1054): When Christianity split, the Gospel of John offered important guidance.

The Great Reformation (1517): The Book of Galatians became central to understanding faith and grace.

Modern Emergence (2006): First Peter provides wisdom for today’s missional church movement.

Are We Living in a Time of Spiritual Reconstruction?

The key questions we must wrestle with are:

* Are we currently in a moment of deconstruction and reconstruction of our faith, focus, and practice?

* If yes, what should we do about it?

Understanding these historical patterns helps us recognize that periods of spiritual upheaval and renewal are normal parts of God’s work in the world. Rather than fearing change, we can learn to discern God’s movement within it.

What Resources Can Help Us Grow in Discernment?

Several key resources can deepen our understanding:

* “The Great Emergence” by Phyllis Tickle explores how Christianity undergoes major shifts every 500 years

* Historical works by Josephus provide context for biblical times

* “A History of Christianity” by Justo González offers comprehensive church history

* “The Prophetic Imagination” by Walter Brueggemann examines how prophets challenged and renewed faith

These resources help us understand that spiritual discernment isn’t just about personal insight - it’s about understanding God’s broader work throughout history.

How Can Church Communities Practice Discernment Together?

Developing discernment works best as a community effort. When church members study together, discuss insights, and pray collectively about God’s direction, the entire community grows stronger.

This might involve:

* Small group discussions about biblical themes

* Book studies that explore spiritual discernment

* Ministry teams aligning their activities with biblical themes

* Regular reflection on where God might be leading the community

Life Application

This week, challenge yourself to become more intentionally discerning about God’s movement in your life and community. Start by paying attention to patterns - both in Scripture and in your daily experience.

Consider these reflection questions:

* Where do I see God working in my personal life right now?

* What patterns of God’s faithfulness can I identify in my past experiences?

* How might understanding historical patterns of faith help me navigate current challenges?

* What would it look like for me to “jump on board” with God’s movement in my community?

* How can I contribute to making my church community more discerning?

The journey toward becoming a discerning church isn’t about having all the answers immediately. It’s about developing the spiritual muscles to recognize God’s work, even in times of change and uncertainty. As we study how God has moved throughout history, we become better equipped to recognize and participate in God’s movement today.

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