We were discussing a complex agenda item as I chaired the conference’s executive committee. While many people contributed very good ideas regarding the issue, something was missing. Shouldn’t our committees have a greater focus on seeking God’s will instead of our own biased thoughts?
After that realization, we began seeking God’s will in an hour-long Bible study and prayer at the beginning of each meeting. Doing this was a spiritual blessing and made our time together much more productive.
Our approach was simple. We went deeply into small portions of scripture. For several weeks, we immersed ourselves in the first two chapters of Acts. We were inspired by the early church making prayer, unity, and mission their priorities. That very diverse group was unified by a mutual love for Jesus, a longing for the Holy Spirit, and a shared mission. As a result, thousands of lives were transformed and the church advanced dramatically under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Our process also taught us the value of praying for the Holy Spirit’s guidance before Bible study in order to more fully hear God’s messages to us personally. Scripture then guided the focus of our prayers. My own experience taught me that prayer, springing from Scripture, tends to be less about me and more about aligning with God’s will.
Is it possible that this describes what revival and reformation would look like when applied to committees? Try it! It will make a difference.
