Evaluations....

 Evaluations can be good, insightful, challenging, reflective, whatever word you want to use. I've had evaluations that have led to some soul searching, I've had evaluations that felt more like unnecessary "attaboys" when I knew deep down that I wasn't giving my best, or didn't deserve the kudos. I've had evaluations where I didn't feel evaluated.

 Last night, I was given a task by the chair of our board of elders (basically, the board that supervises me). They want to do an evaluation of me and my pastor at their meeting on September 3rd. OK, I can do that. But, here's the twist. I was asked to write the questions for the evaluation. Cool! Well....maybe not. It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be when I sat down this morning to write them. I have spent a good period of time over the summer in personal reflection and evaluation over the music ministry I am tasked to lead, things that have gone well and not so well. I am very blessed to serve at a congregation of 400 members with a very vibrant and thriving music ministry.

Here's my questions
1. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the musicianship of the Music Director
2. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the desire of the Music Director to improve on musical skills, and do you see improvement.
3. How has the Music Director shared the church's vision?
4. What is/are the Music Director's biggest strength(s)
5. What is/are the Music Director's biggest weakness(es)?
6. How can the Music Director better communicate to the board of elders as well as the congregation?
7. Do you feel that the Music Director is approachable and will listen to suggestions/critique?
8. What area should the Music Director focus on more for the upcoming year?
9. What area should the Music Director focus on less for the upcoming year?
10. Do you see congregational support and encouragement for the Music Director? If so, cite examples of how this is the case. If not, what steps could the Music Director and board of elders take to increase that support and encouragement?


There are specific reasons for these questions.

1 and 2 tie together. I know that I have not committed as fully to my musicianship as I should. I can make excuses, rationalize and explain, but the facts are the facts. I have not bettered my personal skills as a director, pianist, organist, vocalists.....not one bit. I've accepted "good enough". It will be interesting to hear feedback from others on this.

For #3, I feel that I have been encouraging the music ministry to focus on outreach (part of our mission statement), but it has been met with some struggles, not only from participants in music ministry, but also from the congregation. Part of it relates to my attitude and communication of it, but it is a radical concept. Again, feedback will be beneficial.

#4 and #5 are fairly obvious. I think I know what my strengths and weaknesses are, but getting a different opinion will be beneficial.

#6 is one I would say is a weakness, but I'm sure most everyone struggles with this. How to communicate clearly and effectively is always a challenge.

#7 is something that has come up in the past. Part of it has been my attitude and approach, and I have tried to take steps to do things differently, but when it comes to worship, one of the struggles is that you cannot please everyone, no matter how hard you try. Feedback will be interesting.

#8 and #9 will also be good for feedback. Not quite sure what I will receive, but I am looking forward to hearing it.

#10 has been a challenge for me. Do I feel supported and encouraged? Yes and no. Obviously, negative and critical comments and feedback does not lead to feeling supported and encouraged. For the most part, I do feel like that congregation supports me, but it will be interesting to get feedback.


Overall, it was a positive process, and I prayerfully await what I will receive in feedback.