A Pastoral Decision-making Model

Moving from Transactional to Transcendent for Vocational Wholeness

I am teaching a summer course for doctoral students on Vocational Renewal in the Pastoral Ministry. As I move through, I will try and share some of the things coming out of the course (without giving away the farm for the seminary that hosts it, but I doubt that I am that clever anyway). One thing we are looking at is how we make decisions. Oftentimes, we do so intuitively, which (I think) is good. Sometimes, we do so transactionally. In my humble opinion, not so good. To borrow an old advertising hook: “What if—.” What if we infused intuition with some prayerful, theological reflection? What if, in helping others make decisions (about relationships, work, i.e., the kind of things pastors help others with on a daily basis), we sought to move beyond the presenting issues to real issues? As I am listening to our students (and learning from their remarkable repository of experience), I wrote the pastoral note below. If anything there helps or cultivates further (and, likely, better) thoughts about making decisions for biblical outcomes, then my work will not be for naught. SDG. Here is the wee epistle from earlier today.

Dear Colleagues and Students in the Lord,

I am deeply moved by your powerful responses. It makes me reflect on how we can better align our expectations with biblical norms. I also contemplate the actions I could have taken differently. Sometimes, we have limited options due to existing frameworks that bind us. I wonder if there is a way to break free from these constraints and create new frameworks.

I would like to introduce a model that I have developed called the Pastoral Decision-making Model. This model emerged from my research and experiences, including a few failures. Its purpose is to move away from transactional decision-making towards a more transcendent approach. Not only did I find this personally fulfilling, but those I ministered to—whether they were parishioners, faculty and students, Armed Forces personnel and peers, or individuals in the pews—also found it refreshing. This taught me that when we faithfully live out our vocations as the Lord intended, we not only find happiness but also bring joy to those we serve. Eventually, some of them may abandon the corporate model of executive decision-making in favor of a more pastoral and prayerful one. The best part is that it does not require any additional assignments or expectations for memory retention. Feel free to utilize it if you find it helpful. I will be sharing more resources like this to bring refreshment and renewal to you. I firmly believe that this is the work of the Spirit, and I am praying for each one of you.

You can access the presentation of the Pastoral Decision-making Model at this link: https://kennedyinstitute.net/PDM.

Yours Faithfully in the Lord,

Dr. Milton

I know that many of you reading this are not pastors (and I am happy about that). But perhaps there is something in here for you. The Lord bless you and keep you and give you joy in the journey.