The Profile Assessment System is a 5 hour interview (I know that sounds scary but it really isn’t too bad) that looks for the following behaviours in a prospective church planters. Contact us if you would like to book an interview:  Davika Dotson or 905.848.2600.

Here is what PAS looks for:

Visionising Capacity
Visualising something significant, projecting it into the future and building it from the ground floor up. Being a person who projects into the future beyond the present Developing a theme which highlights the vision and philosophy of ministry.  Persuasively selling the vision to the people. Approaching challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles.  Coping effectively with non-visionising elements. Not erecting artificial walls or limits either overtly or subconsciously. Establishing a clear church identity related to the theme and vision. Believing in God’s capacity to do great things.

Personal Motivation
Operating from the inside out to perform substantially and with excellence. Having a desire to do well and a commitment to excellence. Stick-to-itiveness and persistence. Having initiative and aggressiveness without the negative connotations. Having a willingness to work long and hard. Being a self-starter with a willingness to build from nothing. Having a high energy and vitality level; physical stamina.

Creating Ownership of Ministry
Passing on the ministry baton so that others continue the race. Helping people to “buy in” and feel responsible for the growth and success of the church. Gaining commitment of the people to the vision. Establishing a congregational identity. Avoiding stereotyping of congregation by imposing unrealistic goals for which it cannot claim ownership.

Reaching the Unchurched
How consistently, intentionally and effectively they influence unchurched and marginally churched individuals to deepen their faith commitment. Communicating in a style that is understood by the unchurched. Understanding the “psychology” or mentality of the unchurched. Moving and functioning in the “personal space” of the unchurched without fear. Quickly getting to know the unchurched on a personal level. Breaking through the barriers erected by the unchurched. Handling crises faced by the unchurched.

Spousal Cooperation
The extent to which a husband and wife collaborate as a team in their ministry and common life together. Having an explicit agreement regarding each partner’s respective role and involvement in ministry Having explicit rules regarding the use of home as an office. Evaluating the consequences of ministry demands upon the children. Functioning as a team through individual and collective action. Having a strategy for dealing with strangers. Modelling wholesome family life before church and community. Agreeing upon and sharing the ministry vision. Deliberately planning and protecting private family life.

Relationship Building
The extent to which one initiates and engages others and achieves an understanding that moves beyond the superficial. Responding with urgency to expressed needs and concerns of people. Displaying Godly love and compassion to people. Getting to know people on a personal basis. Making others feel secure and comfortable in one’s presence. Not responding judgementally or prejudicially to new people. Appreciating and accepting a variety of persons. Spending quality time with present parishioners without overstepping them for new people.

Commitment to Church Development
The extent to which one embraces as a Biblical mandate, spiritual and qualitative growth within the context of Quantitative growth and employs well considered practical means to achieve this end. Believing in church growth as a theological principle. Appreciating steady and consistent growth without preoccupation with the quick success factor. Committing to numerical growth within the context of spiritual and relational growth (more and better disciples). Recognizing that non-growth is threatening and self-defeating. Establishing the goal of becoming a financially self-supporting church within a specific period of time. Not prematurely falling into a ministry of maintenance. Seeing the church project within the larger context of God’s kingdom.

Responsiveness to the Community
The ability to assess, understand and target select ministries in the local community as a tool for building the Church. Understanding the culture of the community. Identifying and assessing community needs. Responding to community needs on a priority basis such that resources are most efficiently used.
Determining successes and failures of other organised religious attempts to respond to community needs. Not confusing what the community needs with what the church wants to offer. Acquiring an understanding of the character and “pulse” of the community. Adapting the philosophy of ministry to the character of the community.

Utilizes Giftedness of Others
The ability to evaluate, develop and deploy spiritual gifts and talents within the body. Releasing and equipping people to do the task of ministry. Discerning of spiritual gifts in others. Matching the gifts of people with ministry needs and opportunities. Delegating effectively in areas of personal limitation. Avoiding personal overload by delegating effectively. Not prematurely assigning ministry assignments before people are adequately equipped. Not placing unwarranted restrictions on others’ spiritual giftedness.

Flexibility and Adaptability
The ability to adjust to the many challenges and changes inherent in church planting and re-assigning priorities as necessary. Coping effectively with ambiguity. Coping effectively with constant and abrupt change. Adapting oneself and one’s methods to the uniqueness of a particular ministry. Shifting priorities and emphasis during various stages of church growth. Doing whatever is necessary whenever necessary.

Building Group Cohesiveness
The ability to orchestrate individuals with divergent personalities, backgrounds and expectations into working as a unified body. Developing a nucleus group or groups as a foundation. Quickly incorporating newcomers into a network of relationships. Engaging others in meaningful church activity. Monitoring the morale of your people. Utilising groups effectively. Dealing with conflict assertively, constructively and tactfully.

Resilience
The ability to stay the course in the face of major setbacks, disappointments and opposition. Experiencing setbacks without defeat. Riding the ups and downs (eg attendance). Expecting the unexpected. Rebounding from loss, disappointments and failure.

Exercising of Faith
Taking personal steps that reflect one’s belief in God’s capacity to do great and wondrous things. Possessing a conviction regarding one’s call to ministry. Believing that God can and will do it. Having expectation and hope. Having a willingness to wait for answers to specific prayer requests.