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Starting a nonprofit or ministry in today’s world of infinite information can feel like being lost in the woods with a backpack full of tools. Without a clear destination, even a detailed map is useless.

Traditional consultants tend to hand you a ton of tools and strategies. "Here's how to get there faster," they say. But the critical question remains unanswered: where exactly is there? All the equipment in the world is useless without a destination.

We need a different approach to starting a nonprofit or ministry. We need a destination before we chart a course. We need to start with discernment.

The Limitations of Conventional Consulting

Conventional consulting excels at optimization. It can streamline your operations, increase your marketing reach, or help you build your systems. These are valuable things! I offer them myself. But they only answer only "how" questions, not the deeper "why" and "where" questions. And if all you know is how to get somewhere fast, you get nowhere... fast.

Enter The Sacred Pause

Paradoxically, slowing down is the fastest route to meaningful progress. In our hyper-productive culture, slowing down feels counterintuitive, even irresponsible. Getting Things Done is close to godliness, right?!

No, counterintuitively, we to pause first! We need to enter into a sacred space of humility and receptivity before God. It’s a sacred pause of discernment. Because, “unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain” (Psalm 127:1 CSB).

The Two-Part Rhythm of Discernment

Inhale: Know Yourself

Discernment begins with honest self-examination:

• What problem do you want to address?

• What change do you want to effect? Why?

• What are your strengths? Weaknesses? Limiting beliefs?

• How does all this affect your sense of significance and purpose?

We often don’t pause long enough to actually listen to ourselves. We are quick to do what we assume we should do in order to establish our identity without pausing to wonder if our assumptions are valid.

Exhale: Know God

• How do you think God thinks about your vision?

• How do you feel that God feels about it?

• How will God feel about you if you “fail.”

• What is Christ's heart for people like?

• Is God the kind of God who demands that you find his purpose for you like a needle in a haystack?

God doesn't send us on a scavenger hunt to find his will. Rather, he invites us into relationship, and guides us through Scripture, wisdom, and community.

From Discernment to Direction

Once this foundation is established, we can bridge the gap between spiritual insight and practical action. This is where traditional strategic planning becomes invaluable—not as a substitute for discernment, but as its natural outgrowth.

With clarity about your direction, we can develop:

• A compelling calling or mission statement.

• A clear assessment of your context, resources, and strengths.

• Sound strategies for implementing your vision.

• Systems and structures that support sustainable growth.

• Metrics that measure what truly matters, not just what's easily counted

Conclusion

When you're lost in the woods, the worst thing you can do is panic and run aimlessly. The best wilderness guides will tell you to stop, breathe, and get your bearings before taking another step.

In the same way, the journey toward a thriving business or nonprofit begins with purposeful stillness—a sacred pause for real discernment.

Begin With Wisdom. Schedule a Free Consultation

Are you standing at a crossroads in your business or nonprofit journey? Do you sense there might be a deeper purpose waiting to be uncovered? I invite you to begin with discernment. Schedule a free consultation with me today and let’s pause together.

Slowing down is the fastest route to meaningful progress.

Begin With Wisdom

Start your journey with a sacred pause for discernment