How To Make A Major Decision

One of the most overlooked competencies in ministry leadership isn’t communication, strategic thinking, or even emotional intelligence—it’s discernment. Specifically, it’s knowing how to hear God when the stakes are high. Pastors don’t just make organizational decisions; we make spiritual ones. We aren’t simply navigating processes—we’re stewarding people, purpose, and the presence of God.

And the weight of that can be overwhelming unless we learn to lead the way Jesus led: by hearing and obeying the Father.

Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice” (John 10:27) and “I do nothing on my own” (John 5:19). Our model is a Savior who never acted without clarity from heaven. As Russell Johnson often says, “Spirit-filled ministry is impossible without the Spirit.” We are not CEOs with a Bible verse—we are shepherds who must learn to discern the Shepherd’s voice.

So how do pastors and leaders make major decisions—whether it’s hiring staff, launching a campus, navigating conflict, preaching direction, or stepping into new territory? Here’s a framework rooted in Scripture and sharpened by proven leadership wisdom.

1. Get Quiet Before You Get Answers

Jesus withdrew often—to pray, to reset, to discern. Ministry noise is constant: meetings, opinions, expectations. But noise is the enemy of discernment. Craig Groeschel says, “The difference between good leaders and great leaders is their willingness to seek clarity when others settle for assumption.” Clarity comes from quiet.

Create space for solitude. Shut off the noise. Let your soul breathe long enough for God to speak.

2. Go to the Word Before You Go to the World

The Holy Spirit uses Scripture to guide your thinking, align your motives, and expose blind spots. John Maxwell teaches that great leaders “never make big decisions from small thinking.” Scripture expands your thinking to God’s thinking.

A major ministry decision shouldn’t be driven by trends—it should be shaped by truth.

3. Surrender Your Will Before You Seek God’s Will

Most leaders don’t lack direction—they lack surrender. Jonathan Shuttlesworth says, “You can’t ask God for guidance while secretly hoping He says what you already decided.” Surrender opens your ears; stubbornness closes them.

Tell the Lord, “Your will, not mine.” Mean it.

4. Ask the Holy Spirit Directly

Jeremiah 33:3 is still true: “Ask Me, and I will tell you…” Don’t dance around the question. Ask.

“Lord, what do You want me to do?”

“Is this Your timing?”

“Is this wisdom or pressure?”

Then wait. Leadership patience is spiritual maturity.

5. Look for Confirmation

Chris Hodges teaches the “triple check”: Word + Spirit + wise counsel. The Father confirms His will through Scripture, peace, prophetic insight, open doors, and godly voices around you.

If all three align—move. If one is missing—wait.

6. Follow Peace, Not Pressure

Pressure is not the Holy Spirit. Peace is. Even if the decision is bold, peace should mark it. Fear pushes. Faith leads.

7. Seek Godly Counsel

You cannot discern clearly in isolation. Bring seasoned leaders into the process. Ask, “Do you see what I see?” Pastors make their worst decisions alone.

8. Obey Quickly, Confidently, Completely

Delayed obedience is disobedience. Once God has spoken, move. The future belongs to pastors who act in faith, not hesitation.

The Bottom Line

Major ministry decisions become simpler when you embrace this rhythm:

Get quiet. Get in the Word. Get surrendered. Get confirmation. Get peace. Get counsel. Get moving.

If Jesus wouldn’t lead without hearing the Father, neither should we.

If this helped you navigate the weight of leadership and clarified how to hear God in major ministry decisions, don’t keep it to yourself. Share this email with another pastor or leader who needs this today.

I’ve also put together a full Study Guide based on this content—a tool you can download and use with your team for staff meeting discussions, leadership development, or board conversations. It will help your leaders grow in discernment, clarity, and confidence.

And as always—if I can help in any way, I’m here to help.

Whether you’re navigating a major decision, restructuring a team, planning a campus, or clarifying direction for the next season, I’d love to walk with you.

Let’s keep building the kind of churches—and the kind of leaders—our cities actually need.