How I Make Decisions
Dr. James K. Pierce, III (1997)
This is from an article on CEO’s and their approaches to major decisions.
I tell my plans, listen to reactions, then decide 5%
I listen to recommendations, then I decide. 32%
I develop a consensus with which I can agree. 20%
I go with the consensus, even if I disagree. 3%
I support the decision of the most competent person. 2%
Regardless of the forum or participation, I approve or veto. 13%
A combination of two or more of the above approaches 20%
Other 5%
Did you notice the highest two were “listening to recommendations and then deciding,” or “developing a consensus with which I can agree” Only 3% say, “I go with the consensus, even if I disagree.” That’s the difference between a leader and a manager. The leaders says, “You may all think that’s the way to go, but I don’t agree with it, so I’m not going that way.”
A lot of people will write me letters or come and say to me, “Pastor, I want to share with you…” And I know they want to change my mind. What I need to say, is that there is a major difference between me listening to you and making a decision you are going to agree with. Now, if you want me to listen and hear your side, I’m ready. If your agenda is for me to change my decision, we are in a different ballgame. It doesn’t mean I won’t change my mind, but I may not. If I don’t change my mind that doesn’t mean I didn’t listen to you.
Some people think that if you listen to them, if you truly listen you are going to change your decision. That doesn’t mean that at all. A leader understands the difference between listening to advice with an open mind and changing the decision. It is interesting to me that only 3% of CEOs changed their minds even if there was a consensus if they didn’t feel it was right.
I read an article one time on how good leaders are intuitive as far as what is right. The good leader and a not so good leader is the intuition between what is right. There is a difference in listening to others and being led by others. As a leader, when you are fairly sure about your decision, you should listen and accept input, but stay focused.
As your pastor, I am always more than happy to listen, and many times I have changed my mind on the advice of others. Other times I have listened and not changed my mind. One man came to me at one time and said that there was no use in talking to me because it didn’t help. What he was saying was that I did not change my decision to satisfy what he thought I needed to do.
Our world today is sports oriented. With that in mind, an excellent illustration of the job of the “pastor” is that of “spiritual football.” God is the owner of the team, the pastor is the coach, and the laity are the players. Each part of the team is crucial.
The Bible gives guidelines about the Pastor, his role as a leader and to whom he is accountable.
1 Peter 5:1-5
1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Ephesians 4:11-12
11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
1 Timothy 5:17-21
17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning. 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.
Titus 2:15
15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
Hebrews 13:17
17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
These passages all deal with the role and responsibilities of the pastor. Further study into leadership in Scripture will reveal that God always gives vision to one man rather than to a whole. There is always a head, always one person who has responsibility. The same must be true for the local church. Because leaders and pastors are human and will make mistakes and wrong decisions at times, it is imperative that we pray for our pastors and leaders. We should try to build them up and support them rather than criticize and make their work difficult. That is the message of Paul in First Timothy.
1 Timothy 2:1-3
1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
My desire is that these words and Scriptures will help you better understand how I make decisions as your pastor.
I love being your pastor,
