Ways to listen
by Rich Preheim
First Mennonite in Newton, Kansas, and Akron Mennonite in Akron, Pennsylvania, each used a different process to define new congregational vision. What made them both successful?

Leader Profile: With God in the tough choices
by Patty Peebles
Sally Schreiner Youngquist has seen good discernment at work in years of church work in Chicago. Today, as a pastor, she helps her community hear God's voice.

Let us confer together
by Tom Yoder Neufeld
The "Jerusalem Conference" of Acts 15 is a template for facing difficult questions with sensitivity, strong leadership, and attentiveness.

Should we pave the parking lot?
by Robert J. Suderman
No matter how mundane, good decisions in the church are founded on clear vision, honest dialogue, and attention to motives.

A wise and discerning heart
by Marlene Kropf
Discerning leaders are those who know how to practice God's presence, love deeply, and respond obediently to God.

Discernment Stories

Beyond slammed doors (page 5); Peace envoy (page 16); Career shift (page 18)

Departments

Editorial
Pastoring God's People — Preaching in a storm
by Sven Eriksson
Guiding Worship — Worship in seasons of discernment
by Mary Lehman Yoder
Forming Faith — God's gift of choice
by Jill Landis
Managing the Church — A safety net for your pastor
by Ervin R. Stutzman
Engaging the World — Reading your community
by Art McPhee
Pondering the Word — Can a story end war?
Ray Friesen reflects on the Isaiah texts for Advent

Leader Tips: Picture those ideas! (page 13); Clearness committee — tending to one's inner light (page 18); Don't call them "business meetings" (page 21); Read the Bible in a year (page 28)

From the archives: Casting lots (page 24)

Worship Resources: Advent 2004 (including Christmas and Epiphany)
Introduction (page 29) Reproducible Sunday resources (page 35)
Resources for leaders (page 50)