Are Assessments and Evaluations Biblical?

Are assessments and evaluation biblical?  A common cultural refrain is ‘Who are we to judge?’

First, there is a difference between judging (discernment and evaluation) and being judgmental— which Jesus addressed by saying, “Do not judge... why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Mt. 7:1, 3).

Second, Scripture records God Himself assessing and evaluating from creation (Gen. 1:4–25) to the church in Revelation (Rev. 2–3). It is instructive to note that only God correctly evaluates motives (1 Kings 8:39; 1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 139:23–24), and we are to carry out all things, including evaluation, in a manner that “mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13).

Third, we are to prayerfully evaluate ourselves (Rom. 12:3; 1 Cor. 11:28–29; 2 Cor. 13:5) and our churches (1 Thess. 5:21–22). In the discerning manner of the prophet Jeremiah, “Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!” (Lamentations 3:40).

Assessment and evaluation are not only biblical but also ethical and professional. When I worked as a medical provider, the Christ-following doctors at our clinic often discussed diagnosis by saying: "Intervention without good assessment is normally called malpractice."

VitalChurch Ministry is passionate about good church assessment as a gateway to serving churches well. Our conviction is that the assessment process should be robust and customized. There should be a variety of tools to use based on what issues need to be discerned. We do not believe that any one tool or process should be used for all churches, any more than a physician should rely on a single diagnostic tool for all patients.

While continually striving to improve our church assessment processes, we keep one core question and focus of discernment for all churches: “What is the Holy Spirit saying?” (cf., Revelation 2-3). We offer three tiers of church assessments, with the most comprehensive including both qualitative and quantitative data (spirit and truth) gathered from listening sessions with congregations. Our group discernment process helps clarify real issues and make nuanced recommendations.

Tier 1: Basic Online Survey – Core 30 Questions
Designed for a high-level overview of church vitality and useful for strategic planning.

Tier 2: Full Online Survey – Can Include Customized Items/Questions
Provides a focused assessment of church vitality, highlighting strengths to build on and issues to address.

Tier 3: Full Online Survey Plus Input Sessions – As Noted Above
Combines all Tier 1 and Tier 2 features with nuanced recommendations for churches experiencing complicated transitions.

Please contact us if you have questions or would like to discuss our church assessments, including how we can support your church’s journey.