Unlocking Growth: Three Benefits of Year-End Evaluations

When I think about the end of each year, two things come to mind. One is celebrating Christmas with family and the other is reflecting on the past 12 months. Hopefully, as a ministry leader, you are not only taking time to evaluate your personal life, but also to assess the ministry God has entrusted to you as well. It is so important to focus and energize the areas of our lives and ministry that may have lost momentum throughout the year. 

The need for evaluation reminds me of one of my favorite childhood toys. This will certainly date me, but in 1974, Hot Wheels introduced the Redline Thundershift 500 Track. This track was unique because it would sling cars around the track by pulling a lever. The plastic mechanism would push the car around the oval track with enough energy to finish a lap, but you would have to pull the lever at the perfect time to launch your car around the track again. If you could keep your momentum and shift at the right time, you would win the race. 

Year-end evaluations are just like the lever on my Thundershift 500. They energize your life and ministry with a timely push to continue in the right direction. What happens if you miss the evaluation process at the end of the year? Just like the Hot Wheels car would lack the momentum and eventually stop, you could be running on empty and struggling to reach your personal and ministry goals.  

Let’s look at three benefits of a year-end evaluation: 

1. A Year-End Evaluation Provides Clarity 

The first benefit of a ministry assessment is that it provides information on what you are currently doing or not doing. One of the greatest hindrances to growth is not understanding your starting point. It is very difficult to arrive at the desired destination if you are unsure of where you are currently. By having an annual evaluation, you are starting at the right point and asking the right question. How am I honestly doing in my life and ministry?  

In the Book of James, we see a great word picture of the Word of God as a mirror that gives us ultimate clarity on who we really are. It is crucial to take some time for self-examination and reflection at the end of the year to give you a clear picture of where you are. 

2. A Year-End Evaluation Provides Focus 

The second benefit of evaluating is focus. You could say this reminds you of where you want to go. Once you are clear on areas that need improvement, you can develop a focused plan to address those areas. Because distractions are the enemy of productivity and growth, each year you need to sharpen your focus on what matters most. As believers, the most important thing we can do is share the Gospel and disciple others to do the same. Our ministries should reflect a passion to see students growing in their faith and sharing the gospel with their friends. A year-end evaluation can refocus our priorities on evangelism and discipleship. 

3. A Year-End Evaluation Provides Momentum 

The third benefit of a year-end evaluation is the momentum it delivers as you see improvement and victories throughout the year. Momentum is a powerful resource that is hard to quantify, but it is the energy and excitement that comes from a series of small wins. Each year that you assess your ministry should be an opportunity for you to set attainable goals that will in turn lead to positive changes. Keep that up, and over time you will have momentum that results in exponential growth! 

Word of Life wants to empower you to make the most of the year-end evaluation process by providing a Youth Ministry Assessment tool. The QR code below will take you to a 20-question self-evaluation of your ministry. Once completed, you will receive feedback and free resources to help in areas that may need strengthening. If you desire to have some input from a Youth Ministry Coach, you can request a meeting as well. Word of Life is here to help build deep and engaging youth ministries across the country and around the world.