The Character of a Leader – Tolerance for Ambiguity

 

This is Chuck Rapp with Multiply, a podcast to provide a word of encouragement for village church planters.

Leaders are frequently faced with difficult decisions. Part of the difficulty is that we often do not have all of the facts or know all of the details. Sometimes there are strong arguments – and strong feelings – on both sides of an issue. This ambiguity makes decision making difficult. What if we take a course of action but later learn that it’s the wrong one? On the other hand, what if we fail to make a decision out of fear that we’ll make a mistake? Both of these scenarios can have negative consequences.

Good and godly leaders must learn how to deal with ambiguity, or uncertainty, and in the midst of these circumstances learn how to listen to and discern the direction of the Holy Spirit.

You may recall the story of the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15. The early church leaders were gathered to discuss and decide upon some challenging and contentious church issues. Verse 2 tells us that there was “sharp debate”. There were strong feelings and strong arguments on both sides. After listening to those involved, decisions were made. Verse 28 reads, “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements:”

“It seemed good …” The word “seemed” may be defined as “to appear to be”. It implies a certain element of uncertainty but a likely probability. This is a good description of ambiguity.

Let’s look further at the passage. The Jerusalem church leaders listened to Paul and Barnabas (verse 12). They evaluated what was said in light of the scriptures (vs. 15-18). I’m convinced they also listened to the Holy Spirit. Following James’ leadership, the council then made a decision and gave direction.

In my humanness, I do not like ambiguity or uncertainty. I was trained as an engineer; I like facts and equations and clear proof. But, life is often – well usually - not like that. The positive aspect of this is that this uncertainty forces me to lean upon, or lean into, the Lord. He has the answers that escape me.

James 1:5 promises us that, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

The Jerusalem Council gives us a good example of how to deal with decision-making in the midst of uncertainty.

 They listened to those involved.

 They evaluated what they heard using the standard and principles of scripture.

 (Implied but not recorded in Acts 15), they sought the direction and wisdom of the Holy Spirit

 The leader made a decision that was affirmed by the larger group (verse 22)

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.