ÐÔÊÓ½çAPP

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best..." (Philippians 1:9-10a, NIV)

As leaders, we long for our churches to be thriving, healthy, and missionally effective. But how do we truly know the health of our congregations? How do we discern strengths and blind spots, opportunities for growth, and areas requiring strategic focus? The Apostle Paul’s prayer for the Philippians is a powerful reminder that growth in love and righteousness requires both knowledge and insight—two key ingredients for discerning what is best.

One of the most effective tools I have discovered for gaining this insight is a congregational health assessment. For more than ten years, I have used the Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT) to help churches evaluate their health and direction. Now in my role with ÐÔÊÓ½çAPP Northeast, I have been encouraging our churches to take advantage of this powerful assessment, and I’m excited that several of our churches have either completed or are currently engaged in this process.

Why Assess Congregational Health?
Just as regular medical checkups are essential for physical health, a structured church assessment provides a clear and honest evaluation of a congregation’s well-being. Too often, church leaders make assumptions about their congregations based on anecdotal evidence or the opinions of a vocal few. The CAT, however, offers an objective and data-driven way to:

• Understand Church Culture – Gain deep insights into how your congregation perceives its mission, leadership, and spiritual vitality.
• Identify Strengths and Challenges – Discover what is working well and where growth is needed.
• Clarify Vision and Direction – Ensure alignment between leadership goals and congregational reality.
• Enhance Decision-ÐÔÊÓ½çAPP – Make informed choices that lead to greater unity and effectiveness.
• Inform Leadership Transitions & Pastoral Search – Strategically planning for leadership succession while understanding congregational needs to select the right leader.

A Biblical Foundation for Discernment
In Philippians 1:9-10, Paul prays that believers would grow in knowledge and depth of insight so that they may “discern what is best.” This aligns beautifully with the purpose of congregational assessment. Churches that take time to evaluate their health with humility and openness position themselves to make better, Spirit-led decisions that lead to greater fruitfulness. Avoiding self-examination can lead to stagnation, but embracing it paves the way for vibrant ministry impact.

Moving Forward
If your church has not yet participated in this assessment, I encourage you to consider it. If you want more information on a health assessment for your congregation, please email me—I would love to be a resource. ÐÔÊÓ½çAPP Northeast is committed to equipping churches with the tools they need to thrive. A health assessment is not just about collecting data—it is about strengthening the body of Christ for greater mission effectiveness.

I am grateful for you and your church. We are with you and for you as we work together to advance the gospel in the Northeast!