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NPPN Roundtable Article #062


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#062
    Diagnostic Tool To Assess The Prayer Life Of A Congregation
    by Phil Miglioratti
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A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL TO ASSESS THE PRAYER LIFE OF A CONGREGATION

  
The Purpose

It is our goal, that by properly utilizing this tool, the Holy Spirit will give you a clear sense of how successful you are in the quest to become a biblical House of Prayer.
 
The interactive process brings leadership and membership together in a vertical (prayer) and horizontal (prayer birthed discussions) conversation.  This conversation is in itself a forward step in the prayer life of the congregation.
 
This is not a “scientific” survey capable of producing a computerized analysis nor is it like a contest in which the average rating of the judges determines the outcome. Each category and question is designed to expose the heart of the congregation for prayer and produce an accurate picture of how faithfully, practically and pervasively that desire is being expressed.
 
No congregation using this tool is in competition with any other. It is hoped that this tool will serve to increase the congregation’s appetite for prayer while causing leadership to reevaluate programs and seek the Lord of the Church for His changes toward a reformation in the congregation producing a transformation in the community.
 
Just like prayer, you can utilize as much or as little as you want from this tool. Simply by reading through it you will allow the Holy Spirit to sensitize you to new thoughts and ideas. By inviting others to read it will do the same for them. However, to receive full value, you are encouraged to include and involve the entire congregation over an extended period of time.
 
 

The Process

Begin in prayer, asking the Lord to prepare the hearts and minds of those who make the decision of how to implement this tool amongst your people.
 
Make an appointment with the key leader(s) in your context, usually the Pastor. Make sure the Pastor is in public agreement as this is presented to any other board or committee or team that must decide on its use or steps of implementation.

Employ a long-term strategy
         .The leadership team prays together and commits to use the tool as a means of receiving wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit.
         .The full leadership of the congregation hears first about the plan to asses the congregation’s prayer life, are expected to personally support the plan, and to proactively encourage participation from those in their area of ministry.
         .The diagnostic tool will be one ingredient in an overall assessment.
         .Introduce the diagnostic tool to the congregation only after the appropriate leadership (team,  council, board) has met to pray through their commitment to both the process and the action steps that result.
         .Introduce the diagnostic tool only after the congregation has heard a biblical call to become refreshed, renewed, revived as a House of Prayer for all people. This may be accomplished through any or several of these means:
                  -a series of messages/sermons on personal and corporate prayer
                  -a Prayer Conference (all-church) with a guest speaker
                  -a Workshop (all-ministry leaders) with someone to teach on prayer
                  -a Retreat with a guest to facilitate prayer and coach discussion
The guide, Come to the Lord’s Table by Claude King is an excellent resources for any of these activities. (Visit www.finalcommnad.org for details and ordering information)
         .Set a start-date and a return-date to distribute and collect the completed worksheets If you mail the worksheets to the members at their home, please include one per adult and young person. Include a children’s worksheet if appropriate.
         .Or, set aside a month when the worksheets are the focus of every church ministry and activity. Ever class & committee; council & choir; group & gathering.
         .Before initiating the assessment process, set a date for the leaders to meet to discuss and discern what the Spirit is saying through the feedback as well as a date when the leaders will meet with the members to present their findings, seek further response, and set action steps. This is most beneficial if experienced in an interactive format (roundtable discussion led by a facilitator from outside the congregation)
         .At the report session, announce the date of a “Follow-Through” meeting to assess how well the congregation has implemented the ideas and inspirations of the diagnostic assessment (6 - 12 months).
         .Several types of questions are employed in an effort to assist you to think honestly from different perspectives. Avoid answers that “make us look good” and simply give a descriptive response.
         .The answers/responses are just the beginning. After completing a review of responses in a category, use the questions below to assist you in discerning what the Spirit is saying...
                  *”What?” - are our responses to the questions?
                           [Information]
                  *”So What?” - are the implications of what we have said?
                           [Application]
                  *”Now What?” - are we led to do again? Better? Differently?
                           [Implementation]