Making Decisions in Community
Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 4:00AM In 1758, Jonathan Edward's son-in-law, the president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University), died. Trustees asked Edwards to assume the role.
I was stunned to read about how Edwards made his decision.
While Mr. Edwards was in the state of suspense alluded to in his letter to the trustees of the college, he determined to ask the advice of a number of gentlemen in the ministry, on whose judgment and friendship he could rely, and to act accordingly.
So far so good. But Edwards wasn't just asking for friendly advice. He was putting his future in their hands.
The gentlemen invited to the council, at his desire, and that of his people, met at Stockbridge, January 4, 1758; and, having heard the application of the agents of the college, and their reasons in support of it; Mr. Edwards's own representation of the matter; and what his people had to say, by way of objection, against his removal; determined that it was his duty to accept of the invitation to the presidency of the college. When they published their judgment and advice to Mr. Edwards and his people, he appeared uncommonly moved and affected with it, and fell into tears on the occasion, which was very unusual for him, in the presence of others; and soon after, he said to the gentlemen who had given their advice, that it was matter of wonder to him, that they could so easily, as they appeared to do, get over the objections he had made against his removal. But, as he thought it his duty to be directed by their advice, he should now endeavour cheerfully to undertake it, believing he was in the way of his duty. (The Works of Jonathan Edwards)
He didn't ask for their advice and make the decision himself. He even spoke against accepting the position. Yet he entrusted himself to the wisdom of others, submitting himself to their final decision.
It makes me realize how individualistic we've become in decision making.
Earlier this week, Justin Taylor wrote:
As it applies to Christians discerning calling, it's important to remember that our callings (whether to marriage, to a job, in a new life direction) should not discerned by the individual alone (autonomy) or everyone (democracy) but rather by good counselors (a trusted community).
Good and radical advice.
Reader Comments (5)
Reminds me quite a bit of the Quaker clearness committee. Also makes me realize how much I'm still on the throne in my own life. Thanks for posting.
This is timely, it seems I am always in the mist of a heavy ( if you will ) decision with far reaching consequences. I wonder how many of us often feel that way?
It is so unfortunate that we view this approach as "radical". There is freedom in the collective wisdom of godly people. I will say, however, that my own experience in approaching others for this kind of "radical" decision making has found that because of the "foreignness" of true biblical community in our culture very few of those we approach for wisdom are equipped to make these kind of collective decisions. Many are willing to give advise but not many are prepared for the responsibility of being held accountable for listening to the voice of God.If you want to see what it looks like - try walking into an elders meeting one day and say, "I am wondering if God might be wanting me to leave the church and I would like you to decipher for me the will of God on this matter." This will be a true test of the health of your biblical community. Are the spiritual leaders of your church able to truly do this?
"it’s important to remember that our callings (whether to marriage, to a job, in a new life direction) should not discerned by the individual alone (autonomy) or everyone (democracy) but rather by good counselors (a trusted community)."I am glad that Justin Taylor qualified counselors with "good"! Sadly, my experience is the opposite of Earl's in that I've seen too many people seek godly counsel from leaders who were unqualified to give it. I suppose God in His sovereignty has it all worked out. Thankfully, I can say that I now know what biblical community is and what qualified leaders look like. And, I can say "Amen" to this post!
I once had a church board chairman & pastor advise me to seek 'wisdom, counsel & advice' from the pastor's 21 year old wife on how to handle a somewhat complicated psychological/drug/alcohol issue.The chairman and pastor both felt God's leading in telling me to speak with the pastor's wife, in spite of the fact I was double her age - and she had neither training in counseling or much personal experience with any life issues herself.I've never had stupider advice in my life from supposed 'good counselors in a trusted community'.