Sacred
DECISIONS
Consensus invites God more deeply into the decision making of your congregation and thus into the life of your community. We can help you learn how to effectively use this more inclusive, collaborative, and creative process.
The Book
Our handbook, Sacred Decisions, offers the why, what, and how of using consensus. Use it as a reference as you practice using consensus, like an informal “Robert’s Rules” for your new business process.
Buy the BookIn addition to the book, we have a variety of resources to help you use faith-based consensus in your congregation. We frequently add additional resources, so check back from time to time to see what we have added.
ResourcesWe also offer a range of workshops for every level of interest in consensus.
WorkshopsMarcia J. Patton
Marcia J. Patton, PhD, is the executive minister emerita of Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches, a church body organized by ethnic caucuses and working by consensus. Marcia earned a Ph.D. from Temple University College of Education. She also earned an M.Div. and an M.A.R. from Palmer (formerly Eastern Baptist Theological) Seminary and a B.A. from Michigan State. She was ordained in May 1976 by First Baptist Church, Salt Lake City, recognized by American Baptist Churches USA. She currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for Kaleidoscope Institute. In addition to co-authoring Sacred Decisions, she is the author of Intentionally Inclusive: Together at the Table for Ministry.
Nora J. Percival
Nora J. Percival is a Hicksite Friend with a strong interest in Quaker process and history. She has held leadership positions in many local, regional, national, and international Quaker organizations, all of which make decisions using the Quaker version of faith-based consensus. She is an experienced teacher/trainer, specializing in developing and delivering professional development programs for adults. In addition to her consensus work, Nora has been called to a ministry of training community health workers in East Africa.
Client Reviews
“The workshop exceeded my expectations — it’s more than a process, it’s an experience. I learned how to come at issues with a neutral attitude.”“The workshop was excellent! I understand the process now and have another new important tool in my toolbox. I learned that talking things through and listening is something to be practiced, but worth the work.” — Participants in workshops at American Baptist churches
“One of our foundational blocks has always been the use of consensus to make decisions, but as our community grew, we experienced increasing challenges in using it, with some questioning whether we ought to abandon consensus altogether. Then we adopted the Sacred Decisions model. We strongly recommend use of this model for reaching consensus, and the facilitator training to prepare individuals to be effective, confident facilitators.” — Founder of Anamchara Fellowship, an Episcopal religious community