I just wanted to pipe in on the assessment piece. I agree that some form of assessment is necessary, but am very concerned about the hype around these assessments, lately. I wonder what happens when someone’s profile doesn’t match what is expected of a successful planter?

Eric confirms with me that I would have failed such an assessment 6 years ago, yet here Jen and I stand six years, support raising, a hurricane and a tornado later with three viable campus ministries planted in New Orleans (and a team finally beginning to form!). Eric also says that the reason he sent Jen and I was he trusted our growth curve, and he saw how Jen’s strengths complemented my weaknesses so well. Yet, the point remains: I don’t have the gift set that most assessments look for in planters even now after six years of growth, let alone when I started.

I’m concerned that we’re setting the assessment bar too rigidly. I’m concerned with the number of graduating CMiTs that are convinced they are not ready to do anything besides go on staff with an existing ministry. I know we need to assess and coach planters, but we need willing planters first and foremost. With a strong, available coach behind them (or a strong partner/team beside them), even semi-choleric melancholies like me can become successful ministry/church planters.