Planning a Mutual Ministry Review

The most critical influence on congregational health and vitality is where mutual review usually begins. Mutual Ministry Reviews work best when they are part of a regularly scheduled process of clarifying expectations, responsibilities, and effectiveness. When discussion and feedback are expected as a normal part of life together, the anxiety about such a process is greatly reduced. At all times prayer and support for everyone involved in the Review is integral to the process. Avoiding defensiveness, encouraging participation, and setting clear goals for turning challenges into successes are key factors.

Comprehensive reviews are not helpful when major conflicts are present. Using evaluation as a weapon is never acceptable. When regular assessments are a part of a congregation and church’s life together, strengths and challenges can be identified early and easily. The time to begin a review process is not when the relationship is already in trouble. If major tension has developed, conflict resolution or problem solving is called for, not ministry reviews.

Set goals that are limited, specific, measureable and achievable. Keep it simple. The more complex an evaluation process becomes, the more likely participation in it will be limited, the process will not be completed, or it will result in a large, detailed report never to be read or heard from again.

Determine the best time to schedule reviews.

Be clear from the outset what will happen as a result of your review. Who will see the findings? If changes are in job descriptions, the mission statement, or goals are to be made, who will make and approve them? How will those changes be reported and evaluated?

Provide a system for monitoring decisions. Timelines, measureable goals, strategies and temperature taking sessions can help sustain the learning from the review and assure that the agreed upon changes do occur and continue.

Focus on positives as well as negatives. Look at strengths and opportunities as well as weaknesses and problems. Stay away from comparisons and focus on potential and development.

During this process, the following questions can help assist you in getting a fair evaluation of your current ministries but your church as a whole.

  1. What does God want your church and your particular ministry to do?
  2. Does your ministry serve people?
  3. Is your ministry winning new people to Christ and his church?
  4. Are new members embraced and made to feel welcome in your ministry?
  5. Describe the state of the teaching ministry of your church and in your particular ministry.
  6. What is the attendance pattern of your members that belong to this ministry?

First African Baptist Church

Dr. Rodney Waller, Pastor

Review Form

  1. Name of Ministry
  2. Leader of this particular ministry
  3. Number of Members in this Ministry
  4. Has this ministry had any new members within the last year?

Yes______No______, If yes how many______

  1. Ministry’s Mission Statement: ______.
  2. Goals set for Ministry: ______.
  3. Are those goals realistic? ______If not, what can be done to make them realistic? ______.
  4. Goals met during the past year? ______If not what can be done to make sure goals are met? ______.
  5. Does this Ministry allow participation from members to set goals, expectations, and help solve issues? ______if no, which makes these decisions? ______.
  6. Projects planned by this Ministry during the last year? ______.
  7. Were these projects for the community, church members only? ______.
  8. What other Ministries are affected by this particular Ministry? ______.
  9. Does your Ministry/ and its members invite feedback from others? ______.If the answer is no, why not?
  10. Where do you see these Ministry 5 years from now? ______.