Discernment in Common with Secular Tools | Ignite the Way
In the 6th episode of Ignite the Way series, Fr David McCallum, SJ, Executive Director of the Discerning Leadership Program, presents a module titled “Secular Tools for Communal Discernment Processes”. He explains that while communal discernment has deep roots in the Ignatian tradition, secular organizations also engage in collaborative decision-making that balances hierarchical authority and broad participation.
Viewing secular and spiritual as separate categories is an artificial distinction; thus, discernment can benefit from secular methodologies. He outlines stages of communal discernment: gathering data, understanding challenges, fostering stakeholder dialogue, and creating imaginative, visionary spaces. Fr McCallum highlights three secular methodologies – action research, Theory U, and polarity management – that support participation, creativity, and managing systemic tensions in decision-making. These secular tools complement spiritual discernment practices and can enhance communal discernment processes in ecclesial and other organizational contexts.
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