Evaluating a leader and a ministry is not an easy job. In a regular job you can verify based on results, performance and overall output. However as Godly ministers we have to consider the land they are working (where a 90% + drop off in drug rehabilitation occurs even in successful organizations), their passion, and their calling.
We have an equation to break down a ministry into parts and determine what is working and what isn’t.
(Leader + Model + Effort)*God-Driven = Ministry
We start by having meetings with the ministry leader, and evaluating him as a leader via interview and questionnaire, speaking with their volunteers, pastor\superior(s), reviewing work ethic & performance and a myriad of other quantitative values. These help us get a view of the leader. We also talk to those he has helped, and invite him to share what he believes spiritually.
We then evaluate the model the ministry is using as a whole. Does it work? What is failing? Can more funding really improve it? Do they need better material? Do they need outside man power (medical,psychological ). These are just some of the questions we use. We work to help leaders see where some of the problems are and we connect them with other leaders and resources to improve the process.
Finally we look at the effort both by the leader as well as volunteers. Are they working hard but lack results? Do they need training? Do they need to refocus their efforts to a specific target?
We are trying to help sculpt the ministry towards greater success, by pinpointing what can help increase their reach and reduce failure. We know that the seeds that are planted are never lost, but we must also be wise in where we plant the seed, that is why we work to help improve the ministry. So we can be sure that the donations you provide are going to ministries that are working well & being improved.
