The Importance of Assessment in Urban Church Planting

Assessment stands as a critical juncture in the church planting process, particularly in urban contexts. It ensures individuals are well-prepared to meet the unique demands of urban ministry. This page, drawing from Troy Evans' insights and the complete list of the 13 characteristics*, describes why thorough assessment is vital for potential urban church planters.

The 13 Characteristics*

• Visioning Capacity: Essential for inspiring others to join the church planting journey, even when the path is uncertain.
• Intrinsically Motivated: The drive to persevere comes from within, which is crucial in environments where external encouragement may be scarce.
• Creates Ownership of Ministry: Delegating effectively so that every team member feels personally invested in the ministry's success.
• Relates Well to the Unchurched: Being able to genuinely connect with those outside the church is vital to urban ministry.
• Spousal Cooperation: For married individuals, having a spouse who is supportive and actively involved can significantly impact the ministry's success.
• Effectively Builds Relationships: The ability to forge strong connections across diverse groups is foundational in the urban mosaic.
• Committed to Church Growth: A commitment to both spiritual and numerical growth underpins sustainable urban church plants.
• Responsive to Community: Tailoring ministry efforts to meet the specific needs and opportunities identified within the urban community.
• Utilizes Giftedness of Others: Recognizing and mobilizing the talents and resources present within the community for the church's mission.
• Flexible and Adaptable: Urban ministry requires the resilience to adapt to rapid changes and unforeseen challenges.
• Builds Group Cohesiveness: Cultivating unity and purpose among diverse community members is crucial for a cohesive church body.
• Resilience: The capacity to recover from setbacks and continue moving forward is essential in the often unpredictable urban environment.
• Exercises Faith: A deep, lived faith in God's guidance and provision is the bedrock of effective church planting, particularly in urban settings where the challenges can be substantial.

Adapting Assessment for Urban Ministry

Assessors need to be intimately familiar with urban contexts to ensure the evaluation process is relevant and reflective of the unique nuances of urban ministry. By understanding and measuring these 13 characteristics in potential urban church planters, individuals are better prepared for the multifaceted challenges they will face.

*Sources:

• Hertzberg, H., & Lonsway, F. (2009). Whither Church Planting. Great Commission Research Journal, 1(1), Summer 2009.
• Ridley, C. R., Logan, R. E., & Gerstenberg, H. (1998). Training for Selection Interviewing. St. Charles, IL: Church Smart.