Periodic Evaluation
Periodic Evaluation
EVALUATING THE GROUP’S EXPERIENCE AND PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
WHY EVALUATE?
In order for a small group to function effectively and continue to meet the needs of its members, it is crucial that the group periodically evaluate itself.
WHAT EVALUATION DOES
Group evaluation accomplishes several things:
If this evaluation is being done in a separate meeting, turn to the section titled “Order of Meeting” (page 99), follow the outline through the Opening Words and Covenant, and return to this point. The leader then reads this section. If the evaluation is being done at the end of a regular meeting, begin at the Spiritual Formation Group Evaluation Questionnaire on page 82 after following the Order of Meeting outline through the “Looking Ahead” section.
It restores vitality.
Small groups have a tendency to slip into routines that make their meetings seem mundane. By evaluating the group’s dynamics, it is possible to restore the original vision and rekindle the initial enthusiasm.
It overcomes problems.
It is easy for a small group to develop relational or directional problems that slowly begin to undermine its effectiveness. By evaluating the way the group is working together to meet its goals, it is possible to repair some of these areas and to establish a more efficient structure.
It gives people a chance to share their needs and concerns.
A group’s most common ailment is the unvoiced concern. When a group is no longer meeting our needs, we have a tendency to keep that fact to ourselves and simply stop attending. Later, when the other members learn that we have decided to quit, they are shocked and surprised. Evaluation helps us share our current needs and offers us a graceful way to quit without hurting anyone’s feelings.
WHEN TO EVALUATE
The following evaluation form should be used after a Spiritual Formation Group has met for an introductory gathering meeting, gone through the Eight Beginning Sessions in this workbook, and held one regular meeting. Some groups center a special meeting around the evaluation; others conduct the evaluation at the conclusion of the first regular meeting. It is far less important when groups evaluate themselves, however, than that they do so.
Ask one member of the group to read this entire section.
The Spiritual Formation Group is designed for a six-month “covenant period.” This mutually agreed-upon time span is long enough for the members to become acquainted with how a Spiritual Formation Group works yet short enough to keep it focused. A six-month covenant to work together, with the agreement that group members will do an evaluation at its end, also allows members to fully experience mutual fellowship and encouragement before making a decision to meet for another six months.
Existing groups who have never done an evaluation should do one as soon as possible. This will help the members define the group and determine where it is going. While we recommend that new and existing groups do an evaluation every six months, it is certainly possible for them to evaluate themselves at any time.
The following questionnaire contains questions that will help each member share his or her feelings about the group. It is important that everyone have a chance to speak; answering the questions one at a time will encourage members to respond. The person who volunteered to lead the meeting at which evaluation takes place guides the evaluation process.
SPIRITUAL FORMATION GROUP EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE
Personal Questions
Allow each person a few moments to answer each question if he or she wishes.
Given that one of my goals is to become a better disciple of Jesus Christ, has this Spiritual Formation Group…
Increased my effectiveness substantially?
Increased my effectiveness in small ways?
Made no difference in my effectiveness?
Do the same “wheel” exercise that we did in Session 1.
Below, the Six Traditions are arranged around the spokes of a wheel. Using a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being the least proficient and closest to the center of the wheel), estimate where you are in each area on the wheel spokes. Place dots at those points; then connect the dots from spoke to spoke to form a ring around the center.
Compare this wheel to the one on page 30; then answer questions 3 and 4.
In which of the Six Traditions (or areas of discipleship) have I seen the most growth?
In the contemplative, or prayer-filled, life
In the holiness, or virtuous, life
In the charismatic, or Spirit-empowered, life
In the social justice, or compassionate, life
In the evangelical, or Word-centered, life
In the incarnational, or sacramental, life
In which of the Six Traditions (or areas of discipleship) have I seen the least growth?
In the contemplative, or prayer-filled, life
In the holiness, or virtuous, life
In the charismatic, or Spirit-empowered, life
In the social justice, or compassionate, life
In the evangelical, or Word-centered, life
In the incarnational, or sacramental, life
Group Questions
The leader guides the discussion, keeping in mind that some members may hesitate to share their feelings about the Spiritual Formation Group. He or she reminds members to be kind and honest, and takes notes of the suggestions and decisions made.
Discuss each of the following areas by answering the question under each heading.
Direction
Are we moving toward our destination and reaching our goals, or are we wandering around with no real sense of direction?
Balance
Are our discussions equally balanced, allowing each member a chance to share, or do they sometimes get dominated by one or two of us?
Focus
Are our discussions focused on the intended topic, or do we get diverted by other concerns?
Teamwork
Are we working together as a team, supporting and encouraging one another to grow spiritually, or do we sometimes feel that each of us is training alone?
Environment
Are we creating an environment where we feel free to share what is on our hearts, not fearing how it will be received or wondering if it will be kept confidential, or is there a lack of trust that keeps us from sharing from the heart?
Attendance
Are all of us attending our meetings as faithfully as we can, or are some of us failing to attend regularly?
Hospitality
Are we willing to welcome new people into the group, or would a new person feel uncomfortable or unwanted?
Time
Are we keeping within our time limit, or do our meetings last too long?
If you could keep only one thing about this group exactly the way it is, what would it be?
If you could change only one thing about this group, what would it be?
From what we have discussed,
Should we continue as a group? (If yes, how many months should we commit to meet?)
Should we change anything about the group? (If yes, what changes should we make?)
MAKING A COVENANT
Who will lead the next meeting (name)?
When will we meet (time, day, frequency)?
Where will we meet (location)?
How long will the meetings last (minutes)?
What is our new covenant period (months)?
When will we do the next evaluation (date)?
If your group has decided to continue meeting, you may want to use “Making a Covenant” to create a covenant that specifically defines the terms and length of your commitment. You may also wish to have all of the members sign the notes taken by the leader as another way to confirm your covenant.
Our group is now functioning as an ongoing, supportive Spiritual Formation Group. May God bless us as together we “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18a).
If the evaluation was done as part of a regular meeting or a separate meeting, the leader reads this paragraph before guiding the group back to the section titled “Order of Meeting” and closing with the Lord’s Prayer (page 101).