5 Signs You’re Making Decisions the Wrong Way

How Pastors Drift From Discernment Without Realizing It

In ministry, the consequences of a bad decision are amplified. You’re not just choosing a direction—you’re shaping a culture, impacting families, and stewarding eternity. That’s why the enemy doesn’t usually attack pastors with scandal first; he attacks with subtle misdirection. If he can distort the way you make decisions, he can distort the future you’re building.

Here are 5 warning signs your decision-making is drifting away from the voice of God—and toward the voice of pressure, emotion, or fear.

1. You’re Moving Faster Than You’re Listening

If your pace outruns your prayer life, you’re already in trouble.

Jesus withdrew often. But many pastors are afraid of quiet because quiet forces them to face uncertainty. Craig Groeschel says, “When the speed of the leader increases beyond the speed of their soul, burnout is inevitable.”

Warning sign:

You feel rushed, cornered, or pressured to decide “right now.”

Correction:

Slow down. If God is in it, time won’t kill it.

2. You’re Looking for Validation Instead of Revelation

Leaders get into danger when they want someone to agree with them more than they want the Father to speak to them.

Jonathan Shuttlesworth says, “If you’re fishing for permission, you’ve already left obedience.”

Warning sign:

You only ask people who will say what you want to hear.

Correction:

Stop polling. Start praying.

3. You’re Letting Emotion Lead Instead of Peace

Emotion is a terrible leader.

Peace is a perfect leader.

Jesus said the peace of Christ will “rule” (Col. 3:15)—literally act as an umpire. When you make decisions from exhaustion, resentment, frustration, urgency, or insecurity, you are not discerning—you are reacting.

Pro Tip:

I’m talking about peace in your heart, not necessarily peace in your situation.

Warning sign:

Your decision is driven by relief (“I just want this over”) instead of direction.

Correction:

Don’t move until peace leads the way.

4. You’re Ignoring Wise Counsel

Isolation is the birthplace of poor decisions.

John Maxwell teaches, “All great leaders have blind spots; only wise leaders admit them.” When pastors avoid counsel, it’s usually rooted in pride or fear.

Warning sign:

You’ve already made up your mind before inviting feedback.

Correction:

Bring seasoned voices into the conversation earlier than feels comfortable.

5. You’re Choosing What’s Easy Instead of What’s Right

Jesus said, “I only do what the Father tells Me.”

He didn’t choose the easiest path—He chose the obedient one.

Pastors get into trouble when they choose the path that avoids conflict, protects comfort, or preserves image instead of the path the Spirit is actually leading them into.

Chris Hodges teaches that “God’s will is often on the other side of your comfort zone.”

Warning sign:

You’re choosing convenience over conviction.

Correction:

Ask: “What is the obedient thing—not the easy thing?”

THE WAKE-UP CALL

If you see even one of these signs in your ministry decision-making, hit pause.

Go back to the presence of God.

Re-engage the Word.

Invite wise voices.

Follow peace.

And obey quickly when clarity comes.

Great leadership begins with great listening.

And great listening begins with great surrender.

Great leaders get clarity—on purpose.

If you’re stepping into a big decision or a new season and want coaching, strategy, or alignment—connect with me and let’s build a plan.

And don’t keep this to yourself: share this email with one leader who needs it. Let’s raise the bar together.