The Baptist emphasis on congregational polity gives voice to every church member. Historically, though not exclusively, Baptist churches have preferred decision-making by many rather than by one or a few.

But as every Baptist who has served on a committee or sat through a church conference knows, such an approach does not make decision-making easy or decisions necessarily right.

Everyone, regardless of age, background or experience, seems to have a clear idea about how their church should be operated — from meeting times to worship styles to mission emphases to denominational affiliations.

As a result, open church forums are often comprised of little more than a wide variety of opinions attached to the opening phrase: “I think …”

The problem with using personal preferences to guide the church’s mission is that, like fingerprints, every person’s perspective is different. And often ministers are left with an ongoing juggle act of conflicting expectations built on the varied preferences of the congregation.

Of course, some spiritualize their opinions to suggest divine backing. But often those “convictions” are nothing more than personal preferences dipped in spiritual language and propped up by lightweight theological scaffolding.

As a result of the struggle for influence and the balancing act placed upon pastoral leaders, the structuring of church life is too often shaped for the convenience of those wielding the most power or making the most noise.

The church’s priorities should require more spiritual discernment than simply trying to suit an individual’s tastes — as if we are picking out clothes for ourselves or furniture for our homes.

When pressed, most mature church persons would confess that the congregation’s mission should be guided by something — or Someone — other than the dominant opinion or most passionately-presented personal preferences.

Discerning divine direction requires a willingness to go against one’s own personal interests. It is a spiritual process that begins with an open mind and heart — rather than trying to wrap God’s approval around one’s own desires.

Most of us are too Baptist to the bone to want spiritual directives handed down from above. We don’t desire popes, bishops or any other form of ecclesiastical authority.

Yet our insistence on ground-level decision-making too often stays on the ground when the mission of the church, the discernment of the Spirit’s leading and the moral implications of our corporate decisions get overshadowed by preferred tastes.

Building the church on personal preferences is as weak a foundation as the shifting sands described by Jesus. Perhaps we raise our hands to vote too often and too soon — before the spiritual groundwork is done.

We should worship in the churches of our choice — but not necessarily of our personal choices.