As we all make key decisions in this journey of church planting ("Where does God want our church to go?  Should I be a part of the group that moves?  What should I do if I stay?"), it's key that we know how to filter out the other "voices" in order to better hear God's voice.  Here are some common "voices" that need to be noticed and filtered:

The Voice of Fear: one of the most common yet sneaky "voices" that can get in the mix. Am I thinking or saying something because I am afraid of a possible outcome?  We need to actively call out our fears and give them to God in order to better hear His voice.

My Normal Self, Personality, and Tendencies: while God has created us uniquely and wants us to be ourselves as we shape the world around us (e.g.- use our uniqueness in contributing to a group decision), it's important to note that sometimes that can get in the way of hearing His voice. For example, we may naturally enjoy change, and so we think any decision that offers change is "God's will." The same works, of course, in the opposite direction- we may tend toward slow adaptation or be adverse to change. Again, God wants to use that part of us for His glory.  But it's important to note that sometimes He wants to speak and it may be different from what we normally think.

My Interpretation or Application of a Prophetic Word: while God speaks often through specific words, images, or visions, its crucial to note that, as we try and interpret or apply we may get it wrong (especially if we are dealing with fear or are unaware of our tendencies, as noted above).  An interesting example of this in the Bible is in Acts 21:10-12. A prophetic image is given and shared, but the interpretation/application of the word by the community reflects more their fear than anything (this is probably what is described in 21:4 as well). 

The question is, then, how can we get it "right?"  Some thoughts:

1. Don't be afraid; talk it through with others. Whether it's processing a fear or sharing an image you think you received, it's key to talk it through with others. Don't be afraid to speak up! Together, we can then...

2. Continue to ask God directly for clarity or interpretation, and also confirmation.

3. Write things down and see if they come to pass. This helps us continue to grow and distinguish His voice from the other voices there.

For more, ask for a copy of Hearing God by Ben Dixon, or listen to some past talks at our Ethnos website.

Prayer Points:

- Please pray that God guides all the decisions be made in this process.

- Please pray for all the leaders making decisions, that God would bring them close to Him.

- Please pray all the members of Ethnos, for God's closeness as well.