New Church Leaders
 

What is an Assessment Center?

The New Church Leaders Assessment Center is an intensive four-day event during which ministers and spouses are observed and evaluated to determine the appropriateness of a specific minister to serve as the founding pastor of a new church. It is not an evaluation of a person’s qualifications for ministry in an existing church. It is essential that married couples attend together if at all possible.

The assessment experience includes:

• In-depth personality analysis
• Self-discovery of individual strengths and weakness
• Private interviews
• Sermon presentations
• Case-studies
• Strategy development experience
• Worship and inspiration
• Fellowship and network-building

Persons who come to an Assessment Center will receive one of the following recommendations:

1. Unconditional approval as a qualified new church leader/pastor.
2. Conditional approval based upon certain factors, like context, training, etc.
3. Deferred for at least two years before reconsideration.
4. Not recommended to begin a new church.

How much does it cost for me and my spouse to attend?

The cost is $500 per couple, or $750 for non-Nazarenes. This includes the assessment, materials, housing, and all meals.

When and where are these Assessment Centers held?

The Assessment Centers are held periodically throughout various parts of the United States and at various times of the year.

Importance of assessing potential new church leaders:

New churches that have been started with Assessment Center identified leadership have become much stronger churches than new congregations that have not used the Assessment Center selection process.

For information regarding Assessment Centers and their upcoming locations and dates, please call the New Church Development office at (800) 306-8294.