Non-Negotiable #1: Assessment

Formal assessment can be as short as one day, but is more often 3-5 days in length. A formal assessment is often done in a group setting with other potential planters and includes a combination of interviews, group exercises, essays, and assignments. The evaluation team observes the potential planters in a number of different situations. Most assessments result in a detailed report and a formal out brief. For example, the Church Planting Assessment Center’s team produces a 50+ page report on each candidate. This report includes strengths as well as weaknesses and makes a recommendation as to a candidate’s ability to plant a church within the next 2 years.

Good assessments look at the church planting candidate in various ways including:

Written expressions, in the form of an extensive questionnaire, a professional resume, exercises, and projects, are evaluated by the assessment staff.
Psychological instruments are employed to identify any potential issues which impact individual wholeness, marital adjustment, and professional interaction.
Experienced practitioners and peers observe candidates in simulation modules, team activities and personal interviews to provide real-life perspective for potential church planting scenarios.

There are many good church planter assessment centers.