What we do

Outcome: The Church Planting Assessment Center (CPAC) is designed to evaluate potential church planting team leaders, staff members and their spouses (if appropriate) for the gifts and talents to be successful in this essential ministry. Restricted to a two-year projection, the CPAC team will make a concrete recommendation with regard to the potential success of a candidate within their position of choice, and will offer appropriate affirmations and development suggestions. The assessment outcome will be briefly discussed with the candidate prior to the conculsion of the center, and a comprehensive written report will be available to the candidate, and their sponsor if appropriate, within a couple of weeks of the conclusion of the center.

Methodology: CPAC uses a variety of lenses through which a candidate and his or her spouse is evaluated. It is through this variety of input sources that CPAC believes it can arrive at a competent assessment of a candidate's suitability for church planting. Among the various lenses are the following:

  • Written expression 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 observe candidates in simulation modules, team activities and personal interviews to provide real-life perspective for potential church planting scenarios.
  • Peer assessment also occurs in the CPAC process, providing each candidate with invaluable input from others with whom she/he works during the center.
  • Self assessment is perhaps the most important directional outcome of all. Processing all input available, the candidate (and spouse where applicable) is able to make a highly informed conclusion about placement and timing in church planting ministry.

Overview: A Church Planting Assessment Center is an intensive multi-day experience which combines interviews, interactive exercises, individual and group presentations, and written evaluations by peers, assessors, and the candidates themselves. The combination of these elements is fast-paced and grueling. Much like the early months of a church plant, CPAC tests and refines the resolve of each candidate and her/his spouse.

Interviews by licensed professionals in the psychological disciplines interpret results from analytical instruments completed prior to CPAC. In an interview with the professional, each candidate or candidate couple has the opportunity to question and understand standardized testing results. Following the interview, the psychologist will provide a written summary for the final CPAC report. All aspects of the private session will not necessarily be shared with other assessment staff.

Exercises during CPAC range from brief, fun group projects to more extensive work that lasts over many hours. Candidates dress comfortably and expend themselves in activities that involve consensus decision making, active listening, and pressurized circumstances which can be stressful. All candidates are encouraged to arrive at their CPAC site well rested and ready to work hard.

Feedback from both assessors and other candidates becomes very helpful over the course of CPAC. By combining the observations of many, each individual is able to develop a "snapshot" of how s/he is perceived by peers and others. These insights are invaluable in predicting future outcomes for the church planter and the church planting team.

Sponsors: If a candidate is being sponsored by a church or organization, the sponsor is encouraged to provide one or more individuals to participate in the center as assessors. They will be trained for their responsibilities and will have the benefit of the discussions and insights of the whole assessment staff. If an organization chooses not to provide an additional observer, then a fee of $200 will be collected.