Introduction

The concept of community in decision-making is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, emphasizing the importance of collective wisdom, unity, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Bible provides numerous examples and principles that highlight the value of involving the community in making decisions, reflecting God's design for His people to live in harmony and mutual accountability.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the Israelites often made decisions as a community, seeking God's will through prayer, consultation, and the guidance of appointed leaders. One of the earliest examples is found in Exodus 18, where Jethro advises Moses to appoint capable men to help judge the people, thus decentralizing decision-making and involving the community: "But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens" (Exodus 18:21).

The communal decision-making process is further exemplified in the account of Joshua and the Israelites at Shechem, where Joshua gathers all the tribes to renew their covenant with God. The people collectively affirm their commitment to serve the Lord, demonstrating the importance of unity in decision-making (Joshua 24:1-28).

Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also underscores the value of seeking counsel and making decisions within a community. Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety" . This highlights the belief that collective wisdom and counsel lead to more sound and secure decisions.

New Testament Practices

In the New Testament, the early church provides a model for community-based decision-making. The apostles and early Christians often gathered to pray and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance when faced with important decisions. In Acts 6, the apostles involve the whole community in selecting seven men to oversee the distribution of food, ensuring that the decision reflects the collective will and wisdom of the church: "Brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them" (Acts 6:3).

The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 is another significant example, where the apostles and elders come together to address the issue of Gentile believers and the Mosaic Law. The decision is made collectively, with input from various leaders and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, demonstrating the importance of unity and communal discernment in the church.

Principles for Community Decision-Making

1. Prayer and Seeking God's Will: Decision-making should begin with prayer, seeking God's guidance and wisdom. James 1:5 encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, promising that He gives generously to all without finding fault.

2. Counsel and Wisdom: Involving wise and godly counselors is crucial. Proverbs 15:22 states, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed" .

3. Unity and Harmony: Decisions should promote unity within the community. Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" .

4. Accountability and Transparency: Open communication and accountability are essential in community decision-making, ensuring that decisions are made with integrity and transparency.

5. Guidance of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in guiding the community towards God's will, as seen in Acts 13:2, where the Holy Spirit directs the church at Antioch to set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work.

Conclusion

The biblical model of community in decision-making emphasizes the importance of collective wisdom, unity, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. By involving the community, seeking counsel, and prioritizing prayer, believers can make decisions that align with God's will and promote harmony within the body of Christ.