Annual evaluations have been a part of my life for so many years that this year, I actually counted. As the Regional Leadership Team processed my latest eval, it was the thirty-first consecutive year for that kind of thing. The first twenty-three of them were done when I was a pastor, the last eight as regional minister.
A few things always happen during those things. First, there is the pre-eval angst. I know I will be affirmed. I know that God is guiding and blessing my ministry. I also know that everything is not perfect, including how I do my job. The anxiety goes with the territory. Second, there is added clarity that comes when the realities are presented. That’s good. I now know what I need to work on, adjust, change or keep doing as I have. Third is always the sense of affirmation. I trust the leaders I work with. They want the best for our churches and they want the best for me. So do I.
I have asked for annual evaluations everywhere I’ve been because they create added focus and direction. They also serve as a safety release valve to get rid of mounting frustrations…both ways. They become times for honest conversation. And when people are interested in the best for God’s kingdom and the best for each other, they are nearly always beneficial.
I’ve been concerned that some churches do not evaluate their pastors on a regular basis. From time to time I get calls from church leaders with some variation of this message: “Things aren’t going so well with our pastor. We think we should do an evaluation. Do you have any materials?” My answer to them is pretty consistent: “Have you been doing regular evaluations? If not, it will likely become a tool of division rather than progress.” You see, that kind of approach used only during conflict will inevitably be viewed as a weapon against the pastor instead of a tool to shape, direct and encourage.
In my opinion, a new pastor on staff should receive a one, three, six, nine and twelve month evaluation. Ministry pitfalls are more numerous in that first year than at any other time of a pastor’s tenure. Mistakes made then are harder to overcome later because they happen before trust is developed.
So, whether you are a pastor or leader, check out how to do an evaluation by clicking on EVALUATIONS or by going to Resources/NPR Resources and scrolling to Church Health.
About Phyl Putz