Tough Decision Making

This week I've had to make some challenging decisions regarding interns and potential interns. I believe strongly in consulting others and gathering as much information as possible before making the call. The more important the decision, the more info and outside opinions are needed.

But sometime, one has to make the call. To not decide is itself a decision. In my experience, when leaders refuse to make decisions, especially the tough ones, there is insecurity and confusion.

Today, after consulting many people, as well as some prayer, I felt that I needed to turn down one internship application. The person has lots of ministry potential and already has good character. Both of these are important. I would love to see him back in Paris in the not to distant future. However, he is basically a true beginner in French, which would probably make him a distraction more than a help at Belleville at this point in time. He also has very limited financial resources right now. By having him return home right how, I think that he could build up his support team at home, which is probably more important in the long run than staying in Paris for the short-term.

I had not special word from God on this decision. In some ways, it would be easier to have this. My decision was based more trying to apply Proverbs-type of wisdom. I tried to express my final decision with as much compassion and hope as possible. For we've had some decisions (which were "no" answers to requests we've made) expressed to us that were not very compassionate or encouraging.