When we speak of discernment we mean seeking God's will in our own lives and in the life of a congregation, and then setting goals for fulfilling that call to ministry. As you will see in this book, discernment is a process ... a process that takes planning by a smaller group so the larger group is free to experience the leading of the Holy Spirit.

The discernment process outlined in this book was developed to help Cumberland Presbyterian congregations listen to how God is answering the question “What is our call to ministry to be at this time in our church’s life?”

The goal of this book, and the process it outlines, is to strengthen your congregation. This strength will come through seeking the will of God and assisting and enabling members of congregations to work in partnership toward the goals they discover through this process.