The Soul of Discernment: A Spiritual Practice for Communities and Institutions

by Elizabeth Liebert

The Soul of Discernment provides concrete steps for groups of people who work together and need to make important church sessions, nonprofit hiring committees, etc. Liebert calls this process the Social Discernment Cycle, a process for seeking God's call in a particular situation. “It is called ‘social' because it deals primarily with human communities in their social-structural, rather than interpersonal aspects,� Liebert explains. “It is a cycle because one completed round of discernment prepares for the next. The Social Discernment Cycle is particularly apt for any discernment that involves a structure, system, or institution.� This book helps groups work through this cycle to answer the question, “How is God leading us , individually or together , to act in this particular moment in our organization ?�

Genres: Spirituality, Leadership, Psychology

210 pages, Paperback

First published August 24, 2015

Reviews

[Rob O'Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent guide for organizations and institutions in making spiritually-mature and theologically-sounds decisions. Although Liebert only walks the reader through one example, she does quite thoroughly. Additional, smaller examples are provided. Also, her ability to communicate this very abstract and ambiguous process is thoughtful and comprehensive. At the end of the day, the practice of discernment is more than sitting around in chairs waiting for something to happen. It is a bonafide discipline, one that could improve any group that is willing to put in the work to make Spirit-led decisions.

[Jocelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The practical steps suggested will likely be very helpful, but the explanations could be a lot shorter.

[Kathy Wingard · Rating 3 out of 5]

very dense book - in that it should not be expected to be something to skim through

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievably helpful. So practical. Can’t wait to pray through the process!