3 Keys to Good Evaluations

As we enter into a new year, we often look back and reflect on the previous year, evaluating what has transpired over the last 12 months, as we consider the year ahead. (I think this reflecting back and looking forward is one of the reasons God designed the cycle of years into creation.)

I find many people struggling with the evaluation aspect of this process, especially when it comes to ministry, where God’s activity is involved and measures seem so subjective. In the struggle, people seem to either abandon the idea of evaluating all together or limit the evaluation to a few measurable metrics, like numbers of participants, finances, or facilities – or “bodies, bucks and buildings” as these metrics have been called.

There is a better way.

This way involves the right MEASURES, METHODS, and MOTIVE. These concepts provide 3 keys to good evaluations.

RIGHT MEASURES

When I meet with people in ministry, especially Sports Ministers, I often ask them, “Do you, your supervisor, or your church have a standard or measure to evaluate whether your ministry is successful or not?” I often get the answer, “To be honest with you, we don’t.” If the answer is yes, I often follow up with another question, “What is that standard and where did it come from?”

Evaluating a ministry is not like determining the winner of a basketball game. It is more like determining the ….

winner of a gymnastics competition
success in the Afghanistan war
success of a Christian
success as a parent

For these kind of evaluations, we need measures that

recognize success as a process rather than as an achievement
realize the objective and the subjective aspects of such an evaluation
acknowledge God’s role and our role in all progress

RIGHT METHODS

People limit the perspective of the evaluation by

looking at too narrow of a time frame
limiting the number of people involved
focusing mainly on weaknesses

Good methods for godly evaluation involve

broadening the time frame, beyond one point to many points in time – This is especially important when you have recognized progress not achievement is the goal.
gathering a team of people from different perspectives to work through the measures
focusing on the development of strengths more than the weaknesses

RIGHT MOTIVE

Honestly, our evaluations tend to focus on us. This focus can make these sessions feel awkward, disingenuous, or harsh.

Rather than making us the focus, a better focus begins with God. The motive then shifts. Instead of praising or bashing people, the right motive now becomes one that glorifies God and recognizes his work in producing fruit and developing people. This focus produces humility rather than pride in progress and empowers pursuit rather than discouragement where progress is lacking.

Are you making progress? Using the right measures, methods, and motive will make your evaluations not only good ones but godly ones as well.

(For more information on the right measures, methods, and motive, especially for sports ministries, check out the following video.)