Alan Ehler - How to Make Big Decisions Wisely: A Biblical and Scientific Guide to Healthier Habits, Less Stress, A Better Career, and Much More

Dr. Alan Ehlers role as dean and professor at Southeastern University has put him in touch with thousands of top leaders around the globe. He integrated what he has observed, what he has experienced, and what he has learned from a large range of academic and practical sources into a fun read that can help you with the big decisions in your life.

CAREY NIEUWHOF, founding pastor of Connexus Church and bestselling author of Didnt See It Coming

If youre like me, you may struggle with balancing various factors in decision-making. Drawing from multiple disciplines, Alan Ehler provides valuable insights for wise decision-making in this very readable book.

CRAIG S. KEENER, F. M. and Ada Thompson professor of biblical studies, Asbury Theological Seminary

I know Alan Ehler and can speak with tremendous confidence that this book is not theorythis book is a way to live. In How to Make Big Decisions Wisely, Ehler lays out key principles for decision-making that integrate the findings of neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, and decision science with a biblical study of how the apostle Paul made decisions and directed those in the churches he founded to make decisions. This method works, and it will have a deep impact on your work and ministry.

A. J. SWOBODA, professor, author, pastor

I had Alan Ehler as an instructor in my graduate program. He introduced Story-Shaping as a model not only for practical theology but also as a tool to be used in decision-making. It really helped me see the value of integrating intentional theology with the practice of my ministry. I am so very glad he is sharing this excellent concept with the world to help many others make good, godly decisions!

HOLLY WAGNER, pastor at Oasis Church, author of Find Your Brave, and founder of She Rises

We all make big decisions from time to time, but how to do so wisely and in a way that fits with ones Christian vocation is an important issue. Alan Ehlers timely and insightful book provides a model for assisting Christians in their decision-making, both personally and professionally. It is rooted in Scripture and informed by science, making it a unique resource. I commend it most warmly to anyone who wants to know more about this important subject from a Christian perspective.

MARK J. CARTLEDGE, principal of London School of Theology

I have often heard it said, First, you make the decision, and then that decision makes you. All of us have scars and successes to prove that adage true. Alan Ehler draws on years of experience and a lifetime of learning to bring fresh insight and key strategic steps to help us all make big choices wisely.

SCOTT R. JONES, senior pastor of Grace Church, Houston, Texas

I was encouraged by Dr Alan Ehlers book How to Make Big Decisions Wisely. The section on Story-Shaping was most helpful. I was amazed to look back on my life and see how closely the moves our family has made coincide with what he promotes in the book. Those who are in leadership at any level must approach this book as a must-read!

RICH WILKERSON SR., pastor of Trinity Church, Miami, Florida, and author of I Choose Honor

Making major decisions is an unavoidable part of life. Every day we make thousands of remotely conscious choices ranging from trivial preferences to life-altering decisions, and few people are equipped with a framework to pass those conclusions through. In How to Make Big Decisions Wisely, Dr. Alan Ehler offers a clear and proven approach to help you make the kind of decisions that will lead to the best possible outcomes. I have benefitted from his wisdom in the classroom, and I believe this book will be a valuable resource to you.

TERRY M. CRIST, lead pastor of Hillsong Church, Phoenix/Tucson/Las Vegas and host of Caf Theology on Hillsong Channel

ZONDERVAN REFLECTIVE

How to Make Big Decisions Wisely

Copyright 2020 by Alan Ehler

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Zondervan, 3900 Sparks Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

ePub Edition December 2019: ISBN 978-0-310-10651-7

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.Zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

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Cover design: Thinkpen Design

Cover photo: Voodoo Dot, An ku4ker/Shutterstock

Interior design: Kait Lamphere

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To Keira, who has helped shape all my stories and made them much better