Discerning Together

By Rex dela Peña, National Ministry Team
San Roque, Northern Luzon, Philippines

In GCI-Philippines, figuring out God’s will is not something we try to do alone. It’s become a real journey we take together — one full of faith, honest talk, and watching where God is already working. We’re learning to move away from relying on just one person’s view. Instead, we’re intentionally trying to walk in step with the Spirit as a whole community, listening carefully and adjusting our direction as God leads. It’s like learning to play a symphony together.

How We’re Learning to Discern God’s Will Together

This shift isn’t accidental; it’s a conscious process involving several interconnected practices:

1. 1. Starting with Prayer and Reflection
      At the absolute core is prayer. We begin by seeking his guidance — both on our own and as teams — digging into Scripture and making space to listen. We encourage everyone, leaders, and members alike, to reflect: What might God be saying? How does this align with his heart — not just our assumptions?
   2. Valuing Collective Dialogue
      Gone are the days when big decisions might happen without wider input. Now, we make space for conversation — in pastoral meetings, ministry teams, and congregational discussions. We ask questions like: What’s happening on the ground? What are the pressing needs people face? Where do we see God already at work? Hearing from many different voices gives us a richer, fuller picture of where God might be leading.
   3. Staying Grounded in Reality (Faith Meets Pragmatism)
      Our faith calls us to trust God, while wisdom means paying attention to our actual context. We listen to local feedback, and we consider tangible needs and relevant data before jumping into something new. We believe God is active, not detached, in our reality. New ideas are first tried on a small scale. Does it gain traction? Are people energized by it? (This Strategic Debrief Church Hack can help your team reflect on ministry activities.) This practical approach helps us focus our energy where God seems to be genuinely breathing life — rather than just chasing the next shiny thing.
   4. Embracing Team-Based Ministry
      “Team-based” is more than a buzzword for us now. It’s a genuine commitment to shared leadership and ministry load. Whether we’re planning events, training, or navigating a difficult situation, we operate knowing no single person has all the answers or all the gifts. This shift has helped foster ownership — more people feel empowered and know their contributions matter.
   5. Faithful Experimentation and Responsiveness
      God’s leading isn’t always a detailed map but more like a general direction. We’re learning it’s okay to step out in faith with a plan born from prayer and consensus and then watch closely. Is the Spirit blessing this? Is it making a real difference? We hold our plans with open hands, ready to adapt as we learn. It takes humility and trust in the Spirit working through the process.

Bright Spots: Signs of Healthy Church Life We Celebrate

Walking this path together, we’re encouraged by the signs of healthy church life popping up across the Philippines. These aren’t endpoints, but glimpses of God at work:

1. 1. Healthy Church Training is Catching On
      We’ve had a growing interest in Healthy Church principles and training. What began tentatively sparked into enthusiasm, with more pastoral teams eager to share and apply these transformative ideas. It shows a deep hunger for healthier ways of being church together in their unique context.
   2. Teamwork Feels Real
      The idea of teamwork is truly taking root. We see a more conscious effort to collaborate in planning and ministry — moving beyond just talking about it. This is making ministry stronger and more sustainable.
   3. Cultivating Reconciliation
      In a world quick to divide or “cancel,” we’re intentionally fostering a different spirit — one where disagreements are met with grace and a commitment to truth. We see a growing willingness to sit down, listen deeply, and seek reconciliation, even when it’s uncomfortable. We know that unity comes from the Spirit, and we play our part in maintaining that unity.
   4. Aligned Training, Clearer Pathways
      Our training programs — MTC, ACCM, GCS, and the MTS program — feel less like separate silos and more like connected building blocks. The pathway for discipleship and leadership development is clearer, and people are engaging because they see how it all fits together.
   5. Excitement to Participate Locally
      Perhaps one of the most encouraging signs is the growing eagerness among members to engage. People aren’t just showing up to Sunday worship — they’re actively looking for ways to contribute their gifts in worship, outreach, care, and discipleship. It’s a sign of a church body coming alive.
   6. Ministry Structures Working Better
      Because of growing alignment and teamwork, our ministry structures are becoming more functional. They’re increasingly serving their true purpose: supporting the life, health, and mission of local congregations.

Moving Forward, Together

Discerning God’s will as a community is an ongoing journey, and we don’t have it all figured out. But as we continue prioritizing prayer, listening to one another, staying grounded, and responding to the Spirit’s nudges, we trust God will continue guiding us. The bright spots we see aren’t finish lines — they’re encouraging signposts along the way toward churches that are healthier, more loving, and more effective in joining Jesus’ mission.

As GCI-Philippines, we’re profoundly grateful to be learning that God’s will is often best discerned and lived out together. We move forward with faith in the one who promises: he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6).

Would you pray with us — and perhaps even join us in spirit—as we continue this adventure of faith and collaboration?