Two Lists on Evaluation

It’s a bonus! Instead of our usual Wednesday list, we have two for you.

Evaluation is a difficult process, but it is one that is necessary. Congregations must spend time evaluating the works, programs, and other areas in which they are involved. But it is difficult. Why? That’s our first list. Here are 5 common reasons why spending time evaluating is difficult.

1. It is time-consuming. It is far easier to just say, “We’re doing good!” However, honesty must prevail. Not everything is going well all the time. Real evaluation means that time will be spent digging into the details to figure out why something is or is not going the way we would like for it to.

2. It could reveal something we don’t want to see. What if you find out that “that ministry” isn’t really performing? What if it turns out that there are too many people working on a certain committee? What if the evaluation reveals a weakness in the leadership? We don’t like to think about those, but real evaluation could reveal something difficult.

3. It can cost money. Sometimes, an evaluation process needs an outside opinion. Consultations don’t come cheaply!

4. It can seem endless. When a congregation is involved in many works, that means all those works must be evaluated on a regular basis. It can seem that there will never be an end to the process!

5. Someone might get his/her feelings hurt. What if the elders feel a ministry really must be “cut,” or that the budget needs to be reduced? A member might feel as though their work isn’t important, and feelings can get hurt.

However…

Evaluation is necessary! Why? Here are 5 reasons.

1. It reveals strengths as well as weaknesses. Many have noticed, when they do a great deal of evaluation, that they are doing very well in some areas they didn’t realize. Yes, weaknesses also emerge, but often, strengths come to the forefront, too, and there is excitement.

2. It usually saves money and time, when done over time. When evaluation is a regular process, money is diverted to ministries that are doing well, or that simply need more funds for a short time. Usually, we just budget the same (or slightly more) “than last year,” and think that works. Often, we can save money when we meet the current needs of a particular area within the congregation.

3. It creates greater accountability. When those leading and helping with works and ministries know there will be regular evaluation, they are more likely to work hard and to keep up with budgets, correspondence, and other important matters more diligently.

4. It helps cast a vision for the future. Evaluation may seem boring and tedious, but it can also open our eyes to greater possibilities. When we notice a “little crack” in how we do something, we can fix it and then look forward, instead of just letting that problem grow.

5. It can streamline the work of the church. Yes, a congregation should be doing all it can. I fully believe that. However, there might be works and ministries that are actually “competing,” though they are very similar. There might also be ministries that could be updated and use less money or manpower, so that more can go to other areas. Evaluation helps us be good stewards not only of money, but of effort and time.

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What struggles does your congregation have with evaluation?

Why is it so hard?

What have you seen done that works well within a congregational setting?