Activity: 13-Characteristic Assessment

This structured self-assessment and external feedback approach is designed to help you critically evaluate your readiness for urban church planting, providing a clear path for personal and professional development. You may utilize a copy of the Google Sheet, download an Excel version, or print a PDF to manually compile.

Instructions 

Step 1: Understanding the Characteristics

• Begin by familiarizing yourself with the 13 characteristics listed in the assessment. These traits are crucial for success in urban church planting and provide a framework for self-evaluation and feedback from others.

Step 2: Self-Assessment

• In the column labeled "Self-Analysis," rate yourself on each characteristic based on the scoring criteria:
• 1 = Rarely Exhibited
• 2 = Sometimes Exhibited
• 3 = Most of the Time Exhibited
• 4 = Passionately Exhibited
• Be honest in your assessment to ensure the most accurate reflection of your readiness.

Step 3: Gathering External Feedback

• Share the spreadsheet with a friend, your supervisor, and someone with whom you work in ministry. Ask them to independently fill out the corresponding columns for "Friend," "Supervisor/Other," and "Ministry Recipient" based on their observations of your behaviors and abilities.

Step 4: Compile and Compare Scores

• Once all feedback is received, review the scores given by each evaluator. This multi-perspective approach will offer a well-rounded view of your strengths and areas for growth.

Step 5: Interpret Your Readiness

• Sum the scores for each column and then calculate the total across all evaluators (if not done automatically).
• Refer to the assessment scoring interpretation to understand your level of readiness for church planting:
• Fully Prepared for Church Planting: Score above 180.
• Nearly Prepared: Score between 180 and 161.
• Caution Advised: Score between 160 and 141.
• Reevaluation Needed: Score 140 or below.

Step 6: Reflect and Plan

• Reflect on the feedback and scores. Identify any discrepancies among the evaluators and consider areas for improvement.
• If areas for growth are identified, create a personal development plan targeting these characteristics.

Step 7: Submit your Assessment

• Submit your finished assessment and reflection using the option below.

Additional Tips

• Approach this assessment with an open mind and a commitment to growth.
• Use the feedback as a guide for ongoing development, not as a final judgment on your capability for ministry.
• Consider discussing the feedback with a mentor or coach to develop strategies for enhancing your strengths and addressing areas of improvement.

*Adapted from https://churchplanting.com/church-planter-assessment-ridleys-13-characteristics-and-test