The Call to Discernment

The essential spiritual gift for leading in this era is the gift of discerning of spirits. As Christian leaders, we are called not only to shepherd the flock but also to guard against deception and guide God’s people into truth. Among the spiritual gifts God gives, one of the most vital for leaders in today’s world is the gift of discernment of spirits.

This gift is not about suspicion, criticism, or personal preferences, it is a supernatural ability given by the Holy Spirit to perceive the true source behind spiritual activity, words, actions, or manifestations. It helps us distinguish between what comes from God, what is human, and what is influenced by demonic or angelic beings.

“...to another distinguishing between spirits…” -1 Corinthians 12:10

Why Leaders Need Discernment

Paul’s words in Acts 20:28–31 remind us to “be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock” because wolves will come, even from among our own. Jesus Himself warned that false prophets would arise and deceive, “if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24).

Discernment is, therefore, not optional. It is leadership armour. At the heart of discernment is first learning to recognise and respond to the Holy Spirit, so that we can confidently distinguish His voice and His work from every other influence. As we grow in this, discernment also protects the flock from deception and manipulation, confirms the genuine move of the Spirit, and exposes demonic influence while empowering us to confront it with authority. It helps us wisely test supernatural encounters, ensuring they align with the Word of God and always glorify Jesus alone.

We’re living in a time when anyone can create an online platform to teach, minister, or share their voice. While this opens doors for many, it has also brought an increase of spiritual counterfeits and messages mixed with confusion that can unsettle the Body of Christ. Amid this, God is highlighting the urgent need for leaders to walk fluently in the gift of discernment of spirits. As shepherds, we are called to lead with clarity, safety, and confidence to help God’s people recognize what is genuine and protecting them from deception.

As leaders who value moving in the supernatural, one of the most important skills we must develop is discernment. 

First and foremost, we discern the Spirit of God. When the Holy Spirit is moving His work glorifies Jesus, produces peace and clarity, and bears lasting fruit of the Spirit. The Spirit of God never contradicts His Word and never leaves confusion in His wake.

At times, we also encounter angelic spirits. These are God’s messengers, sent to minister to His people, to protect, and to strengthen us in the will of God. Angels never draw attention to themselves but always point us back to Jesus, encouraging and fortifying His Church.

Then there is the human spirit. People can be very sincere, but often what comes out is influenced by their emotions, their unmet needs, or even their own personal agendas. It doesn’t necessarily mean something is evil, but it may not carry the authority or clarity of God’s Spirit.

Finally, we must be aware of demonic spirits. These are deceptive, accusatory, and disorderly, always working against God’s purposes. They bring confusion, accusation, fear, and division. Their aim is to distort the truth and draw people away from the presence of God.

As leaders, our responsibility is to sharpen our ability to discern these sources. In doing so, we protect ourselves, God’s people, glorify Jesus, and create a safe space for the genuine move of the Holy Spirit.

Discernment is about rightly identifying these sources so that we can respond in truth, not assumption or popular opinion.

Training Our Spiritual Senses

Hebrews 5:14 tells us that maturity comes as our “powers of discernment [are] trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”

God has wired us with spiritual senses of sight, hearing, knowing, touch, taste, and smell that are the 'tools' He uses to train us in discernment. Our whole being is wired to discern. Sometimes information comes through seeing, inner impressions, physical sensations, or even a shift in spiritual atmosphere. For example, as leaders we can often “sense” when something is off in a room, or experience peace as confirmation of God’s leading.

We are not to ignore these God-given senses but to train them, test what we discern, and learn to use Scripture as a guide.

It's Time to Level Up as Discerning Leaders

Discernment is not a one-time gift; it is a lifestyle of spiritual attentiveness. Leaders grow in this gift when they:

• Ask for discernment as a gift of grace from the Holy Spirit.

• Practice by paying attention and testing impressions.

• Stay close to the Holy Spirit, asking Him to guide you.

• Remain humble and accountable, weighing discernment within community.

“Test all things; hold fast to what is good.” -1 Thessalonians 5:21

The Goal of Discernment

Ultimately, the gift of discernment is not about catching people out or creating suspicion. It is about walking as wise leaders, protecting the Church, glorifying Jesus, and restoring lives. It enables leaders to lead from a place of safety, courage, and truth.

Healthy leadership is discerning leadership. When we allow the Holy Spirit to sharpen our senses, we will not only guard ourselves and our teams, but also create an environment where God’s people flourish in His presence.