Why an Assessment

Why are we conducting a church assessment? Why are we asking church members to carve out thirty minutes of their day to participate in a survey? What will we do with the results?

I think we've looked at those questions from the perspective of what we want the church to "look like" in the future, or what guidelines will help us determine the future direction of the church. Those concepts are exactly what the data from the evidence-based assessment are designed to provide us. And we look forward to the findings compiled from the (hundreds of ... right?) returned responses.

How about considering the assessment from a spiritual viewpoint? Russell Crabtree of Holy Cow! Consulting has written an insightful and thoughtful essay titled "Assessment as a Spiritual Journey: A Reflection" and has kindly given us permission to print copies to distribute for our own study and observations. Russell contemplates the merging of fact-driven results with a "robust spiritual practice including prayer, reflection, confession, study and worship."

Copies of "Assessment as a Spiritual Journey: A Reflection" are available in the gathering area of the church. Or you may request one to be sent via email to you -- leave a comment below (no need to disclose contact information; I'll find you if you're in the church directory) or call or email me (Bonnie Loeser -- I'm in the directory).

And please participate in the CAT this week! A letter describing the survey and explaining how to access it from your computer will be in your mailbox early in the week.

--Bonnie