But Are They Discerning? pt. 2

Not long ago, I wrote about the term discerning. I meant it, even though I referenced the spiritual gift called discernment. There’s a fine line between the two that stems from tradition moreso than from Biblical knowledge.

To read the first article CLICK

In the first article, I draw a sharp line between knowing because of information gathering (picking it up, fact checking, etc.) and discerning, or discernment for that matter.

In this article, I would like to splice hairs, so to speak. The question is, any Christian can operate in the Gift of the Spirit (charism) known as discernment, but are they discerning?

discernment

The Cambridge Dictionary defines, “discernment: the ability to judge people and things well.”

In Scripture, discernment has come to mean more. It is an ability to size up a situation that does not come from natural means (for ex. common sense, rationale, gut instinct, etc.).

In 1 Corinthians 12, there is a list of 9 corporate Gifts of the Spirit (sometimes known from their Greek roots as Charisms or the Charismata). One of those Gifts is discernment, or the discerning of spirits.

“The discerning of spirits is a kind of ‘police’ gift, to keep the enemy’s influence from causing serious problems in the fellowship.”[1]

“The word translated ‘distinguishing’ involves forming a judgment and is related to the Greek word used of judging prophecy. It involves a supernaturally given perception, differentiating between spirits, good and evil, true and false, in order to make a decision.”[2]

At times, discernment allows us to recognize spirits; i.e. God, Christian, sinner, angels, and demonic entities.

At times, discernment is especially useful in judging the Gifts of the Spirit, a “word” from the Lord, and people in situations.

discerning

The Cambridge Dictionary also defines, “discerning: showing good judgment, especially about style and quality… able to make or usually making careful judgments about the quality of similar things.”

While there is a corporate gathering, any of the Gifts of the Spirit may be in operation. However, they are specific. Think of them as manifesting God’s Presence, or perhaps as in-breakings of the Kingdom of God among us. There is ample Biblical evidence for the use of the terms in this way.

What seems to be outside of the Bible is the use of the term discerning in a vocational way. Everyone has a vocational path, whether housewife, rancher, barista, or children’s worker.

However, in some Theological circles a “process of discerning” refers to the vocational path of the minister/pastor/priest.

the path of the minister

Is the process of discerning when the minister realizes a “calling” to the ministry?

Is the process of discerning when the minister is formally recognized by an ecclesial community?

How many steps are involved, seven? That would seem perfect.

Is there a process of discerning when a minister accepts a new charge and becomes a pastor?

Does a process of discerning occur when a minister decides to settle into a congregation, with or without local recognition and a title?

Is there a process of discerning in relocation, vocational decisions, and life decisions?

Certainly, this nomenclature points to something different. Again, the question is any Christian can operate in the Gift of the Spirit (charism) known as discernment, but are they discerning?

In light of what I have shared so far, is the path of the minister different?

sensing the call

Certainly in my personal historical ecclesial communities, it rolls off the tongue easier to say someone is sensing the call, rather than say someone is in a process of discerning.

However, this is not the case in all ecclesial communities.

Some may exercise the Gift of Discernment quite well and may function within the corporate body in spectacular ways.

However, according to your faith tradition, you may or may never go through a process of discerning. It is reserved to describe vocational ministers.

There are narrower and broader definitions than the questions I pose in this piece, however a great many Christians agree it is like sensing the call.

I would go so far as to say a process of discerning is not a one time process. It can and does become engrained in the minister’s very interior life. It’s a path of ministry. It can become a way of life.

Romans 11.29 seems to narrow in on the minister: “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Once these processes begin, God does not repent. He does not change His mind. The processes of discerning are constant. A minister is still a minister, even in seasons when he/she does not have his/her own charge.

To answer my own question: yes each Christian can operate in the Gift of Discernment, but no not every Christian is called to a vocational pursuit of ministry and understands processes of discerning.

notes:

pic credit: Yoav Dothan | St. Moses among other Bishops | Annunciation Chapel of the Melkite Patriarch of Jerusalem | 02.13.09 | public domain

1. Dennis J. Bennett, Holy Spirit And You (Orlando, FL: Bridge-Logos Publishers, 1987), 146.
2. Stanley M. Horton, What the Bible Says About the Holy Spirit, Rev. ed. (Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, 2005), 277.