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D.8. Pastor’s Self-Evaluation: Perspective and Resources

One of the ways that we can take responsibility for our functioning in ministry is to periodically take inventory of how we think we are doing. This could be done at regular intervals (quarterly, twice a year, at least annually) quite apart from a formal evaluation process that is initiated and conducted by others. A self-evaluation is also useful as part of formal evaluation. It can help us identify areas where we would like more feedback from others.

Several tools are included that can be used to facilitate a self-evaluation. They can be used together or separately. They identify areas for exploration but are not meant to provide a comprehensive guide. These tools may also provide triggers for other areas of inquiry.

Self-evaluations should be embarked on with care and prayer. For those who tend to be excessively self-critical or overly focused on performance, self-evaluations can be discouraging and the source of unhealthy self-doubt. For this reason, it is wise to use these tools with reminders of God’s love and care in spite of how we might feel about how we are doing. It is also wise to have someone with whom you can share your self-evaluation as a reality test. It may also be good to be aware of what else is going on in your life when you embark on a self-evaluation. Avoid times when you are especially vulnerable to self-doubt or negative self-references. Remember that self-evaluations can also provide times for celebration and gratitude for the ways God is blessing your life and ministry.

D. 8.a. Pastor’s Self–evaluation reflection:

Reflect on the aspects of your ministry that are most satisfying and life-giving.

Reflect on what is least life-giving. Where are the biggest stress points for you?

Identity 2-3 aspects of ministry that you do well.

Identify 2-3 aspects of ministry that you would like to do better.

Identify several things that you could do to be more effective in ministry.

Identify how you are tending to your on-going formation as a ministering person developing your potential in ministry.

Identity 2-3 tangible and manageable growth goals for the coming year.

Identify someone with whom you could be accountable for these goals.

D. 8.b. Evaluating My Gifts for Ministry

Leadership Self-EvaluationKEY: 1 – very poor

2 – poor

3 – fair

4 – good

5 – very good

Mennonite Church Canada / Mennonite Church USA

Pastor and Congregation Evaluation Packet, 2006; renumbered, April 2010

D. 8. A Pastor’s Self Evaluation, Page 1 of 5

My Ministering Skills/Abilities:
The ability to interpret the scriptures, affirming the stance of the Believers’ Church (Anabaptist-Mennonite) heritage.

Ability to effectively communicate the message of the scriptures through the medium of preaching-teaching.

The ability to work in the leadership group to assist the congregation in establishing its purpose and setting measurable goals.

The ability to work in the leadership group to assist the congregation in planning, implementing, and evaluating programs to realize its purpose and goals.

The ability to lead the congregation in worship.

Ability to train others to lead the congregation in worship.

The ability to help the leadership group assist the congregation in identifying the spiritual gifts of its members.

The ability to equip and coach persons in fulfilling their ministry.

The ability to work with persons individually in relation to their decisions, their problems, and their faith.

The ability to facilitate change and growth in the lives of persons.

The ability to foster the development of and provide for the maintenance of various types of groups in the congregation.

The ability to relate to individuals and groups in the congregation and the community with various needs, interests, and life situations (older persons, singles, widowed, divorced, youth, etc.).

13. The ability to keep the congregation informed about and involved in the work of the entire peoplehood through district, regional, and church-wide programs.

The ability to assist the congregation in relating with appreciation and integrity to persons and congregations in other traditions.

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Mennonite Church Canada / Mennonite Church USA

Pastor and Congregation Evaluation Packet, 2006; renumbered, April 2010

D. 8. A Pastor’s Self Evaluation, Page 1 of 5

Evaluating My Personal Qualities/Characteristics

Ability to serve without public recognition.

Honoring commitments by carrying out promises despite pressures to compromise.

Showing competence and responsibility by handling differences of opinion.

Acknowledging limitations and mistakes and recognizing the needs for continued growth and learning.

Remaining calm under pressure while continuing to affirm persons.

Have clear sense of my responsibilities in my work for the church.

Have clear sense of boundaries with persons of the opposite sex.

Able to take time off that is refreshing and renewing.

Able to maintain healthy balance between church responsibilities and family.

Adaptability, balance, and welcoming new possibilities.

Accept and value diversity in people and ideas.

Have definite theological positions that are regularly evaluated in the light of experience and current theological trends.

Alert to the world around, sensitively using a broad base of information to stimulate people to become thinking Christians.

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Mennonite Church Canada / Mennonite Church USA

Pastor and Congregation Evaluation Packet, 2006; renumbered, April 2010

D. 8. A Pastor’s Self Evaluation, Page 1 of 5

Developing a personal growth plan.

Identify two or three areas of potential growth.

Identify specific ways to work at growth in these areas.

Identify obstacles that might make it difficult to grow in these areas.

4.Identify someone to whom you could be accountable for this growth plan.

Mennonite Church Canada / Mennonite Church USA

Pastor and Congregation Evaluation Packet, 2006; renumbered, April 2010

D. 8. A Pastor’s Self Evaluation, Page 1 of 5