Mutual Discernment
Mutual discernment is for anyone who is seeking to discern/ponder/consider an important 'life question or calling' Such as: Am I ready to get married, go to grad school, move, change jobs, change my occupation, do I feel called to be a priest, or what might I do in my retirement? ... In reality, discernment is central to 'day to day life' for Christians. It is how we are able to deeply listen to God...
Mutual discernment is also a core way we practice pastoral care for one another within community. A new discernment group can form around and for one person, but most often a new group begins when 3-4 people desire to discern a life question. Groups meet for either 6 or 9 months, gathering once per month at a time that works for everyone in the group. Each group has a trained facilitator and a standard framework for the flow of group meetings.
The aim of discernment is not for the group to tell you what you need to do. The group provides good company for each individual to engage a specific life question and listen to the voice of God speaking into that question, within the context of a small group community of mutual support. The group will assist you by asking clarifying questions (rather than providing you with answers) that can help you discern a direction or leading that God is calling you to follow or pursue. In the Quaker tradition similar groups are called 'clearness committees.'
Mutual discernment is also a required for those discerning ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church or the Lutheran Church (ELCA) through Church of the Apostles. Completing mutual discernment is not approval for formal aspirancy, but is a first step before formal aspirancy can be considered.
If you are interested to engage mutual discernment, email info@apostleschurch.org.