LISTENING

GUIDE:
Ways of Discovering Gods Will
Stephen M. Veazey

Materials

DVDworksheet
GlossaryofTerms
CopyoftheWaysofDiscoveringGodsWillmodel
ScriptofDVDpresentation
DiscussionQuestions

DVD Worksheet Questions

1. WhataresomerestorationprinciplesthathelpusgetaclearersenseofGodswill?
continuing revelation, open canon of scripture, Christ centeredness, agency, all called
according to their gifts, and the call to be a prophetic people

2. PresidentVeazeysaysOurjourneytodiscoveraclearersenseofdivinewillbeginsbyrecognizingthat
GodisGodandwearenot.Howdowedenythistruth?
No right answer, just a matter of personal response

3. The____Holy Spirit________istheilluminatorandcommunicatorofdivinetruth.

4. __ Spiritual attention___isanattitudeofbeingopenandalerttotheSpiritspresencewhichis
oftensubtleandgentle.

5. ___ Spiritual practices__includespiritualcentering,quietness,prayer,creativescripturestudy,

fastingandmeditation.

6. ListthesixlensesCommunityofChristusestogainabettersenseoftheSpiritswitnessaboutthe
purposesofGod.(Youwillusethisinformationasyoufillinthemodel.)
Scripture
Reason and Knowledge
Tradition
Personal and Community Experience
Continuing Revelation

Common Consent

7. Inthechurchsofficialscripturestatement,ScriptureinCommunityofChrist,weupholdscriptureas
___ indispensable____.Whatdoesthismean?
No right answer, just a matter of personal response

8. WhenCommunityofChristfindsscripturesthatdontagreewithourunderstandingofGods
revelationthroughChrist,asaffirmedbythefaithcommunityandconfirmedbytheHolySpirit,howdo
wedeterminetheirvalidity?
the love, teachings and vision of Jesus Christ prevail

9. WhatisCommunityofChristspositiononthehistoricity(historicalaccuracy)ofscripture?
scripture is not historically, ethically, or theologically perfect

10. Scriptureshouldbeinterpretedresponsiblythrough__ informed study__inthefaithcommunity

guidedbytheSpirit.

11. WhichchurchpresidentmadethestatementthatCommunityofChristdidnotconsiderscripturetobe
infallible?
Joseph Smith III

12. WhatisthetestfortheLivingWordinscripture?
It is presented and received as the good news in the lives of hurting people, bears the fruit
of love, reconciliation, healing and hope for all.

13. PartofCommunityofChristtraditionencouragesusto__ study it out in our mind and study all

good books___mindswhenfacingcomplexissues.

14. ___ tradition_______isthebodyofbelief,wisdom,andpracticesproducedovertheyearsbyafaith

communityasitseekstolivebythegospelinvarioustimesandplaces.

15. WhyisitimportanttolookatthelargerChristiantraditionaswellasourownstorywhenseeking
divineguidance?
It is an important source of identity and guidance

16. WhatarethecomponentsoftraditioninCommunityofChrist?
Scripture, Basic beliefs statement, Enduring principles, Hymns, Christian and restoration
history, World conference resolutions, Official interpretations by church leaders, Official
statements by World Church leadership bodies, Official administrative policies.

17. WhatcounseldoesRoyChevillegiveregardingduelingtestimonies?
Be careful to distinguish between firsthand contact with God and our interpretation of
contact. Examine experiences carefully and interpret soundly

18. Summarizethefoundationalprinciplesofcontinuingrevelation.
Multiple answers for discussion
Revelation involves Gods selfdisclosure
Human response involves interpretation
Some revelatory experiences in religious movements are foundational and formative
Continuing revelation involves ongoing encounter with God and Jesus through the Holy
Spirit.
Continuing revelation is not predicting the future, rather presenting inspired concepts and
vision that enhances our ability to create the future for which God yearns

19. Whatisthepurposeofcontinuingrevelation?
to keep the church moving toward Gods vision as revealed in Jesus

20. ___ Continuing revelation_____oftenchallengesuswithnewideasornewinsightsaboutlong

standingbeliefs.

21. ___ Common consent_____isachievedwhenallviewpointshavebeensufficientlyconsideredinthe

spiritofprayerfuldiscussionandwhenasufficientlevelofsupporthasbeenexpressedbythechurch
communitythatallowsthebodytotakeaction.

22. Thefoundationalquestionforcommonconsentis__what is our best perception of Gods will for

us together at this time under these circumstances____.

Glossary of Terms
Commonconsent:thefoundationalprincipleofthechurchgovernmentinCommunityofChrist.Eachmember
participatesinthedecisionmakingprocessofthechurch.

BroaderChristiantradition:thetotalityofChristbasedfaithswhoshareabeliefthatChrististhedivine,yet
humansonofGod,senttoredeemtheworld

Diversity:anaspectoftheEnduringPrinciplesofCommunityofChrist.ThechurchiscalledtounityinChristin
itsmanyandvariedexpressions(diversity)whichisexpressiveofbeingthebodyofChrist.

EnduringPrinciples:corevaluesthatdefinetheessence,heart,orsoulofchurchidentity,belief,mission,and
messageofCommunityofChrist

Fundamentalism:termoriginallycoinedbyitssupporterstodescribeaspecificpackageoftheologicalbeliefs
thatdevelopedintoamovementwithintheProtestantcommunityoftheUnitedStatesintheearlypartofthe
20thcentury...Fundamentalistsarescripturalliteralists.

Holyindifference:riddingoneselfofagendasorcurrentconclusionsaboutanissue

Inerrant:withouterror

Opencanonofscripture:thebeliefthatGodcontinuestorevealGodsnatureandthisrevelationcanbe
includedinthescriptureofCommunityofChristbyconsentofthepeople

Prophecy:Thisisnotapredictionofthefuture,butachallengetoGodspeopletounderstandmorefullytheir
relationtoGodandtheirpurposeasdisciplesofJesusChrist.ItisthespeakingonbehalfofGodto
communicateGodswillforasituation.IntheNewTestamentprophecyisagiftoftheSpirit.

Propheticpeople/Propheticcommunity:acommunitywhichisrepresentativeofChristwhowillinglydeclares
andlivesGodswordintheworld,proclaimingpeace,reconciliationandhealingofthespirit

Restorationprinciples:generallyequatewithEnduringPrinciplesandprimarilycenterincontinuing
revelation,opencanonofscripture,Christcenteredness,agency(responsiblechoices),allcalledaccordingto
theirgifts,andthecalltobeapropheticpeople
Revelation:WeaffirmthelivingGodiseverselfrevealing.TheTriuneGodisrevealedtotheworldinthe
testimonyofIsrael,andaboveallinJesusChrist.BytheHolySpiritwecontinuetohearGodspeakingtoday.
ThechurchiscalledtolistentogetherforwhattheSpiritissayingandthenfaithfullyrespond.
Scripturalliteralism:thebeliefthatGodwrotetheBible(everyword)anditcannotbequestioned.(Thisisin
contrasttoCommunityofChristslongheldunderstandingthatourscripturescametousthroughhuman
handsandbearwitnesstotheLivingWord(GodinChrist)butcannottaketheplaceoftheLivingWordthat
continuestospeakineachgenerationthroughthegiftoftheHolySpirit.)
Spiritualattention:anattitudeofbeingopenandalerttotheSpiritspresence

Spiritualpractice:spiritualcentering,quietness,prayer,creativescripturestudy,fastingandmeditation

Theocraticdemocracy:TheSpiritleadsthroughleaderswhoareapprovedandsupportedbythewillofthe
people.

Tradition:todeliverortohandover;thetransmissionofreceivedteachingorpractice.InChristianchurches
thechurchstraditioncentersinGodsrevelationinJesusChrist.Thetermhascometomeanthegenuine
preservationoftheapostolicfaith.

Draft Script: Ways of Discovering Gods Will

Hello,IamSteveVeazey.IwillbetalkingaboutWaysofDiscoveringGodsWill.
FaithfuldiscipleshipincludesfaithfullyseekingwithotherdisciplesaclearerunderstandingofGodswill.This
processisongoingsowecanbeopentonewinsightswhenevertheycome.Itisparticularlyvitalwhenthe
churchfacessituationsorquestionsthatdonothaveeasyorclearanswers.
Ashumans,wehumblyconfessthatweseethroughaglassdarklyor,assometranslationsputit,weseein
amirror,dimly(ICorinthians13:12).Thatis,nomatterhowmuchofGodsnature,includingGodsimage
reflectedinhumanlife,wethinkweunderstand,dimensionsofGodstruthremainhiddentous.
Atthesametime,scriptureinvitesustoseekgreaterunderstandingofGodsvisionforlife.Thisinvitation
comestohelpusgrowasdisciplessowecanmakeavitalcontributiontoChristsmission:
Askanditwillbegivenyou;searchandyouwillfind;knockandthedoorwillbeopenedforyou.For
everyonewhoasksreceives,andeveryonewhosearchesfinds,andforeveryonewhoknocks,the
doorwillbeopened.
Matthew7:78
Asweask,seek,andknockinhumilityandfaith,weareblessedwithinsightsthatenrichourrelationshipswith
Godandothers.Sometimesclaritycomesinmomentsofgreatenlightenment.Oftenitcomesovertimeaswe
pray,study,listentoothers,andexperiencelife.
AsachurchwebenefitfromafruitfulapproachtoseekingaclearersenseofGodswill.Thisapproachis
rootedinthebroaderChristiantradition.ItisgreatlyenrichedbyRestorationprinciples,scriptures,and
experiences.Ithasserveduswellinthepastandwillblessusinthefutureifweconsistentlyuseit.
TheCommunityofChristwayofseekingabetterunderstandingofGodswillisbuiltonconfidenceinGods
continuingrevelation,oneofourEnduringPrinciples.WesincerelyexpectthatTheLordhathyetmorelight
andtruthtobreakforthfromhisword(HymnsoftheSaints,WeLimitNottheTruthofGod,No.309).It
alsoseekstointegrateprovenspiritualpracticesthroughwhichwe,incommunitywithothers,canmorefully
experienceGodsguidance.
Asanintroduction,theprimaryelementsoftheCommunityofChristwayofseekinganddiscoveringGodswill
arepresentedinavisualmodel.Whileanymodelhaslimitsandisnottherealityweseektodescribe,usinga
modelcanhelpusbetterunderstandtheprinciples.Inthisregard,itisbesttostartwithaholisticviewand
thencontinuetoamoreindepthexploration.
ExploringtheModel
ThecenterofthemodelisGod,theeternalcommunityofGod,JesusChrist,andtheHolySpirit,whoisone
God.Godhascreatedandisstillcreating.Godhaspurposeandvisionforcreation.

OurjourneytodiscoveraclearersenseofdivinewillbeginsbyrecognizingGodisGod,andwearenot!
Itcontinuesbysheddingouragendasorcurrentconclusionsaboutanissue.Thisholyindifference,assome
callit,isoftenthemostdifficultstep.Itcanbeachievedonlythroughspiritualtrustthatquietsourwillfulegos
andfearoflossofcontrol.TheconstantcallistoletGodbeGod!
ConnectingourliveswithGodstruthisaprimaryministryoftheHolySpirit.Jesussaidhewouldsenda
comforter,whichhedefinedastheSpiritoftruth(John14:1618).
TheHolySpiritistheilluminatorandcommunicatorofdivinetruth.TheSpiritopensoureyes,ears,hearts,
andmindstoperceivetheproperapplicationofdivinewilltoparticularcircumstances.Itmovesfreelyinand
amongpeopletobearwitness,renewlife,formcommunity,andopenfuturepossibilitiesinharmonywith
Godswill.
HowdowepositionourlivestobettersensetheSpiritsguidance?Spiritualattentionandspiritualpractices
helpusbetterrespondtotheHolySpirit.Spiritualattentionisanattitudeofbeingopenandalerttothe
Spiritspresence,whichoftenissubtleandgentle.SpiritualPracticesincludespiritualcentering,quietness,
prayer,creativescripturestudy,fasting,andmeditation.
ThenextlayerofthemodelidentifieslensesthroughwhichwegainabettersenseoftheSpiritswitness
aboutthepurposesofGod.Spiritualpracticeshelpclearandfocusthelensesthroughwhichwegainhelpful
perspectiveandsensetheSpiritsguidance.InCommunityofChristtheseinclude:

Scripture

Reasonandknowledge
Tradition
Personalandcommunityexperience
Continuingrevelation
Commonconsent

ThegoalofdiscoveringaclearersenseofGodswillistoapplyourunderstandingtothechurchsmissionand
lifetogetherinChrist.TheareaoutsidevariouselementsofthemodelisdefinedasEmbodyChristsPeace.
JustasJesusChrist,theWordmadeflesh,isourpeace(SeeEphesians2),wearecalledtoembodyourbest
understandingofthepeaceofGodthroughChristinourlivesandintheworld.Sometimesthisrequiresusto
revisepreviousattitudes,beliefs,andpracticeswithonesmoreattunedwithdivinenatureaswecometo
perceiveit.Thisistheprocessofgenuinespiritualgrowth.TheApostlePauldescribesthisprocessinEphesians
4:13asgrowinginthefullstatureofChrist.

ExploringtheCommunityofChristLenses
Scripture
ScriptureisessentialtounderstandingthenatureandwillofGod.Infact,inthechurchsofficialscripture
statement,ScriptureinCommunityofChrist,weupholdscriptureasindispensable!
WealsoteachthatscripturemustbeappliedthroughthelensofGodsmostdecisiverevelationinJesus
Christ.GodsWordwhichisGodscreativeandreconcilingactivityisnotrevealedfullyinthewordsofany
language,butinapersonwhowasfullyhumanandfullyDivine.Therefore,allscripturestandsunderthe
scrutinyandauthorityofGodsrevelationinJesusChrist.
SoifspecificversesofscripturedontagreewithourbestunderstandingoftherevelationofGodinChrist,as
affirmedbythefaithcommunityandconfirmedbytheHolySpirit,thelove,teachings,andvisionofChrist
prevail.
Thescripturalviewthatstirsthemostdiscussionisthechurchsofficialstancethatscripturesauthoritydoes
notcomefromthebeliefthatitishistorically,scientifically,ethically,andtheologicallyperfectorwithout
errorineverydetail.Whyisthisso?
ScripturalliteralismisafairlyrecenttrendthathasbeenpushedhardinChristianitybyfundamentalism.A
vocalminoritywithinChristianityhasinsistedonaliteral,inerrantreadingofscriptureastheonlyreliable
sourceoftruthinfaithmatters.InCommunityofChrist,wedonotacceptthisapproach.
Whileitmaybesurprisingtosome,thisisnotanewpositionasevidencedbythefollowingquotefromJoseph
SmithIII:
Wedonotconsiderit[theInspiredVersion]infallible,nordoweconsidertheBibleinfallible.Wedo
notconsideranythingthatpassesthroughhumanhandstobeinfallible.Wedonotbelieveinthe
plenaryinspirationoftheBible;weholdthateverythingwhichpassesthroughhumanhandsis
fallible.
JosephSmithIII,evidenceintheTempleLotSuit
OurchurchteachesthatscriptureisinspiredandessentialtoourknowledgeofGod.Wealsoinsistthat
scriptureshouldbeinterpretedresponsiblythroughinformedstudyinthefaithcommunityguidedbythe
Spirit.
Inotherwords,understandingscriptureisnotjustamatterofreadingapassageandassumingwhatitmeans
foralltimesandplaces.Responsiblescripturalinterpretationisdoneindialoguewithothersandincludes
study,prayer,reason,tradition,andcontinuingrevelationasguidedbytheHolySpirit.
DoctrineandCovenants164:6cremindsusthat

Facedwithdifficultquestions,manyproperlyturntoscripturetofindinsightandinspiration.Search
thescripturesfortheLivingWordthatbringslife,healing,andhopetoall.Embraceandproclaim
theseliberatingtruths.
ThiscounselencouragesustosearchwithinscripturefortheLivingWord.Howdoweknowwehaverightly
uncoveredtheLivingWordinscripture?TheLivingWordispresentedandreceivedasgoodnewsinthelives
ofhurtingpeople.ItdrawspeopletoGodsrevelationinJesusChrist.Itbearsthefruitoflove,reconciliation,
healing,andhopeforall.
ReasonandKnowledge
AnotherimportantlensfordiscoveringinsightintoGodswillisreasonandknowledge.Thislensisnotmeant
toelevatereasonandknowledgehigherthananyotherwayofcomingtobetterknowGod.Itaffirmsthatwe
havetouseourmindsandavailableknowledgetostrengthenourunderstandingofGodsways.
Iwastoldastoryonceaboutthegreatscientist,GeorgeWashingtonCarver.OnedayMr.Carverwasina
peanutfield.Hestoopedandpulledapeanutplantfromtheground.Holdingituptotheskyhesaid,Creator,
whatisinthispeanutplant?Asthestorygoes,theCreatorresponded,George,Ihavegivenyouagood
mind,youfigureitout!
OurownexperienceasachurchsuggeststhatGodwantstorelatetousinwaysthathelpusgrowin
understandingofdivinenaturethroughstudy,informedconversation,andalertobservation.
DoctrineandCovenants58:6cdstates:
itisnotmeetthatIshouldhavetocommandyouinallthingsMen(you)shouldbeanxiously
engagedinagoodcause,anddomanythingsofyourownfreewill,andbringtopassmuch
righteousness,forthepowerisinthem(you)
Fromthechurchsearliestdays,memberswereurgedtostudyitoutinyourownmind(Doctrineand
Covenants9:3b)andtobecomeacquaintedwithallgoodbookstolearntruth(DoctrineandCovenants
87:5b).Wehavealwaysbeenapeoplewhosoughtgreaterunderstandingoftruththroughstudyandfaith.
Forexample,in1968,whenthechurchwasfacingcomplexsocialandtheologicalissues,thefollowingcounsel
wasgiven:
Myservantsoftheleadingquorumsarecommendedfortheirdiligenceinseekingmorelightand
truthfromallavailablesources.ForhaveInottoldyouthatmygloryisintelligenceandhethat
seekethlearningbystudyandbyfaithwillberewarded
DoctrineandCovenants149:5
ConsiderationofavailableinformationthroughreasonandstudyisnottheoppositeoftrustingintheSpirit.
JudaismregardsstudyandthinkingaboutGodasamongthehighestformsofprayer.Studyandthinkingare
howweloveGodwithourheartsANDOURMINDS.

Knowledgeaboutmanyaspectsofcreation,includinghumanlife,hasincreaseddramaticallyoverthe
centuries.Thisincludesinformationthatwasnotevenconceivabletothosewhoshapedscriptureinearlier
centuries.
Wedonotknowhowwriterswhoshapedscripturelongagowouldwritetodayiftheyhadaccessto
informationthatisnowcommonknowledge.Thetaskofcontinuedinterpretation,throughfaithandstudy,is
lefttousandfuturegenerations.
However,itisimportanttonotethatinoureffortstobettercomprehendGodsnatureandwillwedonottake
theinsightsofscholarshipandscienceatfacevalue.Infaithmatters,conclusionsofthehumanmindmustbe
consideredcarefullyandtheirvaluedeterminedthroughprayerfulreflectionandSpiritleddeliberation.When
exploringimportantquestionsweusestudy,reason,commonsense,discussion,andinspirationtodetermine
howtoapplyknowledgetoourbeliefsandchurchpolicies.
Tradition
Traditionisthebodyofbelief,wisdom,andpracticesproducedovertheyearsbythefaithcommunityasit
seekstolivethegospelinvarioustimesandplaces.ItincludesthelargerChristiantraditionandourown
CommunityofChriststory.Ifwelosetouchwithourfaithtraditionweloseanimportantsourceofidentity
andguidance.
MargaretFarleyobserves:
acommunitysbeliefsandmoralinsightsthroughtimearenotonlyafundofwisdomforeach
generationbutarerevelatoryofGodspresenceandactioninthelifeofthecommunity.Just
Love,MargaretA.Farley,page188
Traditionisnotamatterofrigidlymaintainingpositionsorpractices.Rather,traditionisthefaithcommunitys
ongoingconversationwithitssacredstory,enduringprinciples,theology,andpolicies.
Tradition,whenunderstoodinthisway,identifiesthechurchsrecognizedsourcesofofficialreferenceand
teaching.ComponentsoftraditioninCommunityofChristinclude:

Scripture
Basicbeliefsstatement
EnduringPrinciples(corevalues)
Hymns
ChristianandRestorationhistory
WorldConferenceresolutions
Officialinterpretationsbychurchleaders
OfficialstatementsbyWorldChurchleadershipbodies
Officialadministrativepoliciesandprocedures

Whileaffirmingtraditionsvalue,itisequallyimportanttorecognizetimeswhentraditionappropriatelyis
challengedbynewsituationsandtheSpiritsmovementtobroadenthechurchsvision.Wehaveonlytorecall
PetersrooftopvisionthatsettheearlyChristianchurchonthepathtobecomingmoreinclusiveofGentilesto
understandthisprinciple(Acts10).
Another,morerecentexample,isthechurchsacceptanceofpropheticcounselthatcalledfortheordination
ofwomen(DoctrineandCovenants156).
Regardingtradition,thechurchiscounseled:
Berespectfuloftraditionandsensitivetooneanother,butdonotbeundulyboundby
interpretationsandproceduresthatnolongerfittheneedsofaworldwidechurch.Insuchmatters
directionwillcomefromthosecalledtolead.
DoctrineandCovenants162:2d
PersonalandCommunityExperience
Obviously,thelensesdonotfunctioninavacuum.Webringaspectsofourpersonalexperiences,culture,
beliefs,feelings,andpersonalitiestoourquesttobetterunderstandGodswill.Anyexperiencethatisthought
aboutorcommunicatedtoothersisinterpretedexperience.
Thatiswhypersonalexperiencesamongdifferentindividualscanbequitedifferent.Sometimesthereeven
canbeduelingtestimoniesoftheSpiritsguidance.Thisisespeciallytruewhenconsideringsensitive,
emotional,orcomplicatedissues.Itisnotuncommoninbusinessmeetingsandprayerservicestohearpeople
reachdifferentconclusionsbasedonpersonalexperiencesandintensefeelings.
RoyChevilleprovideswiseguidanceabouttheuseofpersonalexperienceinformingbeliefs:
WheneverpeoplemakecontactwiththeDivinetheymustbecarefulaboutwhattheysayhas
happened.Whatissaidneedstoberestrainedbyawarenessofourlimitationsaboutwhatweknowof
Godandaboutwhatweknowofourselves.Wedowelltodistinguishbetweenfirsthandcontactwith
Godandourinterpretationofthatcontact.Everyexperienceneedstobeexaminedandinterpreted
soundly.Anexperienceunexaminedcanbequitedangerousandmisused.
paraphrasedRoyCheville,ScripturesfromAncientAmerica,page26
InCommunityofChrist,wetakethewiderangeofpersonalexperiencesseriouslyasweattempttoform
directionforourfaithcommunity.Strugglingwithdiversityofexperienceisnotjustanecessitybecauseof
humannature;itisanimportantaspectofbecomingrealcommunity.
However,asageneralrule,personalexperienceandintensityoffeelingsshouldnotbeonesprimaryoronly
authorityinfaithmatters.Becauseofourfalliblenaturesshapedbyourcultures,personalities,andlife
histories,personalexperiencemustbetestedagainstthebroaderexperienceandwisdomofthefaith
community.

Themostreliablespiritualdiscernmentoccursinassociationwithothers.Wehavebeencounseledrecentlyto
listentogethertotheSpiritsvoice(DoctrineandCovenants162:5c).
Obviously,listeningtogetherincludeslisteningtoeachotherandbeingopentotheSpiritsmovement
duringdiscussions.Smallgroups,congregations,andnational,field,andWorldConferencescanhaveshared
experienceswithGodsSpiritthatareinformative,evenrevelatory.
Whilesomeunderstandsharedexperiencesindifferentways,collectiveexperienceasapropheticpeopleis
vital.AsweseektobettercomprehendGodswill,ourfaithcommunitymusttakeintoseriousaccountits
sharedexperienceoftheSpiritsguidance.
ContinuingRevelation
Webelieveintheimportanceofcontinuingrevelationtoestablishdirectionforthechurch.Ourbasicbeliefs
callustobeapropheticpeople.Weholdthat
Godgraciouslyrevealsdivinewilltodayasinthepastandthatinhumility,individuallyandin
community,weprayerfullylistentounderstandGodswillforourlives,thechurch,andcreation
morecompletely.
WeShare:EnduringPrinciples,ContinuingRevelation,page12
Whenconsideringthelensofcontinuingrevelationitisimportanttoestablishseveralfoundational
principles:
1. RevelationisencounterwithGodthatinvolvesGodsselfdisclosure.ItcomeswhenandhowGod
chooses.
2. Humanresponsetorevelationalwaysinvolvesinterpretationbecauseitsmeaningiscommunicated
throughthefiltersofthehumanmindandlanguage.
3. Therearerevelatoryexperiencesinreligiousmovementsthatareregardedasfoundationaland
formative.OneexampleisGodsactiontofreetheHebrewslavesasdescribedintheBookofExodus.
AnotherexampleisGodsselfdisclosureandrealpresence(incarnation)inJesusChrist.
4. ContinuingrevelationinvolvesongoingencounterwithGodandJesusChristthroughtheHolySpirit.It
providesaddedinsightordeepensunderstandingofformativeexperiences.Itunveilsdimensionsof
earlierencounterswithGodthathavebeenunrecognizedorperhapsevenmisunderstood.
5. Continuingrevelationoftenisequatedwithprophecy,andprophecyoftenisdefinedaspredictingthe
future.Thatisaverylimiteddefinitionofprophecy.Continuingrevelationisnotsomuchforecasting
thefutureasitispresentinginspiredconceptsandvisionthatopenuporhelpcreatethefuturefor
whichGodyearns.

Ingeneralpractice,continuingrevelationinvolvesgroupsinstudy,prayerfulreflection,spiritualpractices,and
discernmentthatopenuppeopletoperceiveGodswillmorefully.
Intheworldwidechurch,weexpressourbeliefincontinuingrevelationthroughtheprophetpresidents
callingtobringinspiredcounselforthewholechurch.IftheWorldConferenceapprovesinspiredcounselfor

inclusioninDoctrineandCovenants,itbecomespartofthechurchsscripture.Thismeansscriptural
interpretationmusttakeintoaccountthewholebodyofscripture,includingthemostrecentsectionsof
DoctrineandCovenants.
ContinuingrevelationcallsthechurchtobecomemorefullyalignedwithGodspresentdayactivitytobring
aboutreconciliation,moreChristcenteredcommunity,justice,andthepeaceablekingdom.Inotherwords,
givenournaturaltendencytowanttosettledownwherewearecomfortable,thepurposeofcontinuing
revelationistokeepthechurchmovingtowardfulfillmentofGodsvisionasrevealedinJesusChrist.
Theuseofanopencanonorlivingbodyofscripturecanbeextremelychallenging.Continuingrevelation
oftenchallengesuswithnewideasornewinsightsaboutlongstandingbeliefs.Ashasbeenthecase
throughouthistory,thiscancausesometoresistwhatisbeingsharedbecauseitunsettleswhatwasthought
tobecertain.
AministryoftheHolySpiritistohelpthechurchtrustandembracecontinuingrevelation,especiallywhen
acceptancecallsforrevisionsofsomelongheldpractices.Whenfacedwiththeneedtoevaluateitsbeliefsor
policiesinresponsetocontinuingrevelation,thechurchhasbeentold
asyougainevermoreconfidenceinsensingtheleadingsofmySpirit,youwillbegintoseewith
neweyes,embracethetruthsthatarewaitingforyourunderstanding,andmovejoyfullytowardthe
fulfillmentofthetasksthatareyourstoaccomplish.
DoctrineandCovenants159:8
CommonConsent
Andallthingsshallbedonebycommonconsentinthechurch,bymuchprayerandfaith;forall
thingsyoushallreceivebyfaith.
DoctrineandCovenants25:1b
ThechurchwasdefinedbyJosephSmithIIIasatheocraticdemocracy.ThismeansGodsSpiritleadsthe
church.TheSpiritleadsthroughleaderswhoareapprovedandsupportedbythewillofthepeople.Italso
meansmembershaveasignificantroleindeterminingchurchdirectioninresponsetotheSpiritsguidance.
Commonconsenthelpsensurethatallofthelensespreviouslydescribedarebeingusedandthatnoone
personsorgroupsperspectiveisallowedtodominate.
Commonconsentisopenconsiderationofissues,inaspiritofworship,duringwhichallopinionsmaybe
voiced.Itincludesthoroughconsiderationofproposalsinconferencesatalllevelsofchurchlife.Italso
involvesconsiderationofinspiredcounselatWorldConference,whichthenbecomesauthoritativethroughout
thechurch.
Ideally,commonconsentismuchmorethandecisionmakingbysimplemajorityvote.Atthesametime,
commonconsentdoesnotrequireunanimityofsupport.

Commonconsentisachievedwhenallviewpointshavebeensufficientlyconsideredinthespiritofprayerful
discussionandwhenasufficientlevelofsupporthasbeenexpressedbythechurchcommunitythatallowsthe
bodytotakeaction.
Commonconsentatitsbestisaprocessofeducation,discussion,prayer,andconsiderationthatrequires
patience,cooperation,andspiritualsensitivity.Itencouragesminorityoropposingvoicesthatmaycontribute
vitalinsightsorstrengthenproposals.
Ifcommonconsentisdonewell,broaderunderstandingandsupportofproposeddirectionistheresult.This
ensuresgreaterunitythanotherwisewouldhavebeenthecase.
Commonconsentisnotperfectbecauseimperfecthumanbeingsareinvolved.Itworkstodeterminethebest
decisionatagiventimeundercurrentcircumstances.
Thefoundationalquestionforcommonconsentis:WhatisourbestperceptionofGodswillforustogether
atthistimeunderthesecircumstances(AdaptedfromCommonConsentandParliamentaryProcedure,
SaintsHerald,March1974,page3).Decisionsmadebycommonconsentarealwayssubjecttoreviewinthe
futurethroughtheSpiritsguidanceasweaddressissueswehavenotfacedbefore.
Regardingcommonconsent,thechurchhasbeentoldtotrusttheworkoftheHolySpiritasitspeaksinand
throughthevoicesinthefaithcommunity.Commonconsenthasservedthechurchwellasawayofhelpingto
determinechurchdirectionwhenpracticedinaspiritofprayer,love,andcooperation.
IntegratingtheVariousLenses
Akeytoeffectivelyusingthelensesistoseetheminrelationshiptoeachother.Thatis,theydonotfunction
independently.ThedynamicmovementoftheHolySpiritconnectsthemasitseekstoilluminatetruthandto
growusasresponsibledisciplesofJesusChrist.Thereforethevariouslensesarebestunderstoodas
interdependent.
AnotherkeytoeffectivelyapplyingtheCommunityofChristwayistorecognizethatallelementsincludedare
notonlyimportant,butessential!Ifwefocusonjustoneortwo,werunthehighriskofgoingontangentsor
missingsomevitaldimensionofGodswill.
Whilewemaypreferoneorsomeofthelensesbecauseofourparticularpersonalities,backgrounds,or
spiritualtypes,wearecalledtodisciplineourlivestoengageallofthem.Infact,itisimportanttoconsciously
engagethelensesandspiritualpracticesthataremoredifficultforustoensurethatwedonotmisspartof
thebroadvistaofGodsvisionforhumanlifeandthechurch.
Conclusion
Now,aswebegintoapplytheCommunityofChristwayofdiscoveringaclearersenseofGodswill,maywe
dosowithconfidenceinourcapacitytoworktogetherinpatienceandlove.Letusbeencouragedandhopeful
asweentrustourfuturetothispromise:

BelovedchildrenoftheRestoration,yourcontinuingfaithadventurewithGodhasbeendivinelyled,
eventful,challenging,andsometimessurprisingtoyou.BythegraceofGod,youarepoisedtofulfill
Godsultimatevisionforthechurch.DoctrineandCovenants164:9a

Model: Ways of Discovering Gods Will

Discussion Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

6.

7.
8.

Howareyoufeelingatthispoint?
Whatareyourreactionstowhatyouarehearing?
WhatmethodsortoolshaveyoufoundmosthelpfulinsearchingforGodsdirection?
PresidentVeazeynotesthatweseethroughaglassdarkly.Whatismeantbythis?Howdoesthis
affectoureffortstodiscoverGodsdirection?
Ofthesixwayspresentedinthissessionwhichonedoyoumostrelyoninyoursearchto
understandGodswill?Whatinyourlifesexperiencehasshapedthisreliance?Whichoneofthe
sixwaysdoyoufindmostdifficultorchallenging?Why?
AlternativeActivitytoQuestion3:
a. Pointtosixdifferentplacesintheroom,andidentifyeachinorderasscripture,knowledge,
tradition,experience,discernment,andcommonconsent.Askpeopletogotooneofthe
locationsandsharetheirthoughtsonthefollowingrequest:Thinkofatimewhenyou
reliedononeofthesemethodsofseekingGodswill.Tellhowthatmethodinformedyour
thinking.
b. Followup:WedouseavarietyofwaysofseekingGodswill.AskCanyouthinkof
anothermethodofseekingGodswillthatyouusedintheexperienceyoushared?Goto
thatlocationnow.Dependingontime,askpeopletoshareagain.
c. AcknowledgethateachindividualmaycometodiscernGodsvoiceinanumberofways.
Hearingapersonspeakfromonemethodmaynotalwaysbethewholepictureofthat
personsperspective.
Inyourexperiencehowhas(orhasnot)scripturebeenanindispensablewitness?
PresidentVeazeyexplainsthatallscripturestandsunderthescrutinyandauthorityofGods
revelationinJesusChrist.Whatismeantbythis?Howcanthisassistintheinterpretationand
applicationofscripture?