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Evaluate Your Mid-Year Ministry Progress

Written by Debra M. Douglas

If I look at my New Year's resolutions for the past 15 years, each year's list would be identical: lose weight, build the women's ministry of my church, and work on relationships. I have conveniently tiptoed around gauging how I have done each year - a critical error on my part and an impediment to reaching my goals!

Transformed Lives: Taking Women's Ministry to the Next Level

You can see the parallels to our women's ministries - after we've set goals, we need to take time to evaluate periodically so we stay on track. Looking at progress we've made and where we need to readjust every now and then will help us move toward the ministry goals God has given us. A mid-year ministry evaluation is the perfect opportunity.

Ask Yourself …

How many women came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ during this past semester?
What was the average number of sessions attended in our fall Bible study(-ies) by each woman?
What was the percentage of women completing the studies compared to the number of women beginning the Bible study?
How were small group Bible study absentees contacted?
How can I better achieve a more consistent attendance in Bible study in the spring?
What mission/ministry projects were completed in the fall?
What mission/ministry opportunities were overlooked?
What can women's ministry do to better equip women to evangelize other women?
What events were best-received? Had the best results?
What events will we never do again? What made them go wrong? How can any problems be avoided in the future?
What needs have we observed during this half of the year that should be addressed now?
How can the women's ministry better meet the needs of women next year?
How can I be better prepared for next fall?

Ask Others

For a thorough and more objective evaluation, you'll have to use more than just the opinions and perspectives of yourself and your leadership team. Informally poll the women in your church to get a good idea about their perceptions and ideas by …

using a formal or informal survey,
sending an e-mail survey,
talking one-on-one with women of varying ages and life circumstances, or
holding a few small-group sessions to discuss these things.

Questions to Ask …

What would help you better participate in the women's ministry of this church?
What most made an impact on you this fall related to women's ministry?
In what area do you feel led to begin a new venture for women's ministry?
What themes or books of the Bible do you need and want to study at this time in your life?
How can you help the next women's ministry event be a success?
What ministry projects or needs do you see in the world around you?

Taking time to study the answers prayerfully will result in a more God-glorifying year for women's ministry. Some of your activities, ministry projects, and studies planned may need adjustments or to be postponed. As you evaluate and plan, stay open to God's will in the ministry and watch what He does.