CHURCH ASSESSMENT

The Process of Evaluating, Promoting and Maintaining Church HealthCHURCH ASSESSMENT

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Had Your Annual Physical?InterviewHow you feeling?Noticed any changes?Any complaints?How are you sleeping?

2InterviewDiagnostics Lab Work data analysisPersonal / Tactile Exam

Had Your Annual Physical?DiagnosticsWeightEye chartHearingReflexes Blood Panel

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Had Your Annual Physical?Visual and Tactile ExamSay ah.CoughCold stethoscopeRubber hammer on the kneePoke, probe and swab

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Had Your Annual Physical?DiagnosticsX-raysMammogramSonogram MRICat-scanColonoscopy

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Why do you get a physical?Establish BenchmarksDetermine HealthAddress NeedsAvert Crisis

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NATURE and IDENTITY of the CHURCHThe Church is not an ORGANIZATION, it is an ORGANISM.

Now you are the body of Christ 1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV)

Colossians 2:16-3:4 (NIV)

16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. 19 He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. 20 Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: 21 Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!? 22 These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Rules for Holy Living3Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is youra life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 7

Biblical Precedent for Assessment Letters to the Churches Revelation 2-3AssessmentDiagnosisPrescriptionThe Epistles

Revelation 2:1 To the 1angel of the church of Ephesus write, These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 I know your works, your labor, your 2patience, and that you cannot 3bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My names sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its placeunless you repent. 6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

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CHURCH LIFE CYCLE

EntrepreneurialORGANIZATIONALPEAK EFFICIENCYINSTITUTIONALDescent to DeathComponents of Life:Commitment to Mission and VisionInvolvement of PeopleStructure, Program & OrganizationAttitude toward changeMoral, Emotion & ConfidenceGrowth Phase Declining Phase ViMVIsAMVISAMi S -a -mS -A -m

9During Growth Mission and Vision are the driving force

What is an Assessment?Still frame snapshot of the churchAn X-ray of the churchInvisible lumps, shadows and breaksMRI check for soft tissue damageThe unfinished businessLong, lingering hurtBroken relationshipsUnresolved issues

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What Is an Assessment?Systematic study of churchs present conditionEvaluation of: StrengthsWeaknessesContext Percept DemographicsTrajectory

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What Is an Assessment?Opportunity for all to speakMeasurement of attitudes toward programs and ministriesEstimate of churchs place on the Life Cycle CurveReality checkCherry self image vs. the way things really are

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Physicals for ChurchesInterview Visual and TactileDiagnosticsPrescriptionsSelf-study and document reviewOn-siteSurvey, Life-cycle, Team CollaborationPrescriptions

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Outreach and EvangelismIntentionally cultivating relationships outside our church family, serving our community, and sharing the Gospel. CHURCH SYSTEMS

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Spiritual Formation (Discipleship)Helping believers develop into fully devoted followers of Christ, becoming like Him in His purity, passion, and pursuits. CHURCH SYSTEMS

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Healthy Relationships (Fellowship)Developing an environment of mutual love and care where members of the church body know and serve one another.CHURCH SYSTEMS

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Inspiring WorshipCreating the opportunity for a personal and corporate encounter with the living God.CHURCH SYSTEMS

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Corporate Prayer Cultivating an awareness of God and His work, our dependence upon Him, and expressing grateful hearts in love and praise. CHURCH SYSTEMS

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Effective AssimilationBringing new people into church life, developing friendships, and actively contributing to the life of the church. CHURCH SYSTEMS

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Lay MobilizationEngaging people in the mission of the church according to their gifts and passions. CHURCH SYSTEMS

Ephesians 420

Organizational StewardshipEncouraging the effective use of all of the churches resources finances, workers and facilities to accomplish the churchs purpose or mission. CHURCH SYSTEMS

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Visionary LeadershipEquipping and empowering people for effective ministry moving our churchtoward accomplishing our mission and vision. CHURCH SYSTEMS

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Leader DevelopmentEquipping and developing leaders at all levels of church ministry who in turn reproduce more leaders. CHURCH SYSTEMS

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Why do an ASSESSMENT?Churches should assess their current conditions regularly.An assessor, who is an independent, impartial, outside observer, can see things that few in the system can see.Ministries need to regularly assess alignment to VALUES, MISSION and VISION.Assessment answers the question, How are we doing?Assessment creates opportunities for ministry improvement.Assessment is key to excellence in ministry.

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