Why does conflict cast a deep shadow over many church boards? Why is prayer often pushed aside by the press of decisions? These questions have caused some church leaders to seek a higher path of decision making.

LEADERSHIP editor David Goetz met with four leaders who have been using a fresh approach: Danny Morris, director of developing ministries for the United Methodist Church's Upper Room in Nashville, Tennessee; Jeff Spaulding, pastor of North Hills United Methodist Church in St. Louis, Missouri; John Boggs, pastor of Long's Chapel United Methodist Church at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina; and Frances Smith, chairperson of the administrative council at Long's Chapel United Methodist Church.

What follows is a synopsis of an afternoon discussion with these pioneers.

In Texas they call it "kickin' acorns"--when everybody adjourns to the church parking lot after the board meeting to release their frustrations about the previous two hours.

"That's precisely what's wrong with the way many church ...