Decision-making is rarely simple for a follower of Christ. Our choices are not just practical—they are deeply spiritual. They require us to ask, Lord, what are You saying? What are You asking of me in this season? Recently, I have been wrestling with these very questions after being asked to serve as a deacon at my home church, Northland.
This opportunity is both humbling and weighty. I am already serving in several ministries: facilitating a Thursday night neighborhood Bible study, leading a Saturday morning men’s group, and participating in both a Monday evening Bible study and a Wednesday morning men’s study at church. My days and evenings are full, each filled with people, conversations, and spiritual responsibilities that matter deeply to me.
On top of that, I walk through occasional bouts of depression. This means that every major responsibility I take on must be bathed in prayer, grounded in wisdom, and stewarded with honesty about my limits. Scripture calls us to “number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12), and part of that wisdom is acknowledging both capacity and calling.
Seeking Wise Counsel
As I began processing the invitation, I turned to a few trusted friends—people who know my story and my heart. They listened, prayed, and expressed concern about overextending myself and compromising my mental health. Proverbs reminds us that “plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). Their input didn’t make the decision for me, but it helped me slow down and listen more carefully.
Yet even as I take their counsel seriously, I don’t want fear—of my schedule, of my limits, or of my struggles—to be the thing that closes the door. Sometimes God calls us into something that feels risky, uncomfortable, or costly. And sometimes He doesn’t. The challenge is discerning which is which.
A Second Chance?
This invitation stirred up an unexpected memory. Eight years ago, I was asked to consider serving as an elder at Northland. After some initial training and reflection, I felt the Lord convicting me of areas in my walk that needed attention. It wasn’t the right season, and stepping back was the right decision. Looking back, God was gracious in that redirection.
Now, eight years later, being approached again—this time for a role as a deacon—feels like the Lord might be offering me another opportunity to serve in a deeper way. And yet, I want to be certain that this prompting is from Him, not from my own desire to “redeem” the past. God’s timing is perfect (Ecclesiastes 3:1), and His call is never rushed or rooted in guilt.
Gathering Information and Preparing My Heart
Northland will be reaching out this coming week to schedule an initial interview. My plan between now and then is simple but important:
write down the questions I have, seek clarity about expectations and responsibilities, and gather as much information as I can.
Understanding the role fully matters. Jesus said, “Which of you, wanting to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost…?” (Luke 14:28). Faithfulness requires both spiritual discernment and practical wisdom.
My hope is that the information I gather, the counsel of close Christian friends—including my wife—and the prompting of the Holy Spirit will help me discern God’s direction with peace and confidence.
The Real Cost—and Joy—of Serving
I know that serving as a deacon will require sacrifice. It will stretch me mentally, physically, and spiritually. But service in the kingdom always involves stepping beyond comfort. After all, Jesus Himself taught that “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26).
But neither sacrifice nor fear should be the deciding factor. The real question is this: Is God calling me to this right now? That is the heart of Christian decision-making. Not convenience. Not pressure. Not guilt. Only obedience.
A Prayerful Conclusion
As I continue praying, I find myself asking the Lord for three simple things:
- Clarity — that His direction would be unmistakable (James 1:5).
- Capacity — that if this is His will, He will strengthen me to do it well (Isaiah 40:29–31).
- Confirmation — through Scripture, the Spirit’s peace, and the wisdom of others (Philippians 4:6–7).
Whatever decision I make, I want it to honor Him. I want it to reflect trust, not fear; obedience, not impulse. My deepest desire is simply to be faithful with the life, gifts, and opportunities He has placed in front of me.
And whether that means stepping into the role of deacon or remaining devoted to the ministries already entrusted to me, I know this:
God will guide me. God will sustain me. And God will be glorified.