Leading Without Knowing all the Answers
Nick Plassman | CCC Naperville Campus Neighborhood Groups Director
Do you ever find yourself on the other end of a spiritual question you can’t answer? How about a bible study where a tough question comes up? Or when life hits harder than we can handle?
I know when those times happen I wish I had all the answers, but the shocking truth is, I don’t. I know…I got my degree from Bible College, and I have been in professional ministry for several years, so I should have all the answers, right? Wrong. I don’t have all the answers and I am honestly relieved that I can now admit it. You see, when I was a new believer, I thought I could all of the sudden answer any and all tough questions life had to offer. God would somehow supply me with the wisdom and smarts to answer anything. Well that was a hard lesson to learn.
I actually remember answering a question just after I became a Christian. It was from a woman who was chronically plagued with pain. She asked why she should become a Christian and what good it would be for her. (I actually lay awake at nights thinking about the horrid, ignorant answer I gave her.) I told her if she became a Christian then God would heal her. Now don’t get me wrong, I do believe God has the absolute power to heal this woman, but who am I to promise a miracle? I was trying to convince this poor woman that the reason she was in pain in the first place was because she wasn’t a Christian. I can’t believe that God didn’t kick me out of life.
Thankfully God gave me a second chance, well more like a 3rd, no 4th, no…53,998th… well you get the point. What I do know is how to say: “I don’t know” usually followed by: “but I would love to study that with you.” That statement has given me more credit than any answer I was able to ignorantly muster up in a pinch. I love the freedom in saying I don’t know, and I encourage you to practice it.
Also, I have learned and used several tools in searching for answers. Here is a list that I keep close. These are certainly not exhaustive, but they are a great set of tools that help along this journey of leading without knowing all the answers:
- NIV Study Bible: This great bible is also a great tool. Each page has an upper half that includes the scripture, and a lower half that gives background and information about the scriptures. Before each book there is a summary of background, author, intention, and audience. Also there are a ton of maps, and great information included throughout each book.
- Christian Counseling, A Comprehensive Guide by Gary Collins: This book has been invaluable in understanding many different and difficult human behaviors. It also is an excellent reference for biblical foundations for counseling, and appropriate approaches to almost any scenario.
- Armed and Dangerous: A small book that lists many different tough questions and biblical answers.
- Know Why You Believe by Paul E Little: A book that has can give a good foundation for Christian belief. Biblical examples and a good formulation of Christian doctrine.
- The Case for “Faith, Christ, Creator, Real Jesus” Lee Strobel: A series of books written by a man who began his spiritual journey by trying to prove God doesn’t exist. Excellent apologetic arguments.
There as several more great resources from philosophical to educational that I would be glad to share.





