Ministry assessments can be one of those practices that sound like something we should do. We can even find a biblical basis for them. Yet, they can consume a lot of time so we must take great care that they don’t become an end in themselves. If we merely go through the process and don’t do anything with them, what have we gained?
How to Use Ministry Assessments So They’re Not an End in Themselves
1) Do something with the results.
While the assessment itself may reach its end, the process for resultant change and growth has not. The conclusions of the assessment must be communicated and goals must be implemented. A means of following up on progress must also be put in place.
2) Plan to make assessments an ongoing process.
After asking and answering strategic questions, the assessment process might be completed for the moment. However, we should schedule regular assessments that build on previous assessments if we wish to keep progressing toward God’s potential for our church. We never fully arrive and must continue learning and making adjustments if we want to keep growing.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. (Phil. 3:12)
For more on ministry assessments, also read:
- What a Church Ministry Needs Assessment Is, Its Purpose, etc.
- Biblical Basis for Ministry Assessments
- Kinds of Questions that can be Used for Ministry Assessment
- Church Leadership Skill: Assessment
- Variety of Posts about Assessment in the TrainChurchLeaders.com Practicum
Also, the Staffing Ministry Manual includes help with ministry assessments and more.