An honest evaluation of your congregations' current life of prayer can help you determine how to grow forward in your prayer ministry to become a mighty force for your evangelism efforts. Take a moment now to assess the present value prayer receives in the life of your congregation.

Next each item, evaluate on a scale of 0-10 using this key: 0-2=very seldom; 3-5=seldom; 6-7=often; 8-10=almost always. Add all scores and divide by 10 for your average.

 

_____Prayer is understood as a key part of our pastor/s job description..

_____Prayer is a daily expectation for leaders of our congregation (council, staff, committee heads).

_____Prayer is seen as critical to the faithful preaching of God's Word and worship leadership.

_____Prayer seminars are hosted one to two times a year; at least 10% of our congregation's members attend annually.

_____Prayer opportunities are available for the congregation and community during the week.

_____Prayer partners pray for our congregations' staff and their families.

_____Prayer articles appear consistently in our congregational newsletter.

_____A Prayer Room is available in our church building and is often used by members.

_____Prayer is available before or after worship through the ministry of a prayer team.

_____Answers to prayers are made known in the congregation to thank God and inspire faithful praying.

There are probably few congregations in North America that would score consistently in the 8-10 range. Like tending a garden, once the vision for prayer and evangelism has been established, your congregation, as "soil", must be prepared by tilling it through clear, creative and frequent communication. Think about the ways that you can make the vision for prayer known by utilizing the three learning styles: seeing (visual), hearing (auditory) and hands-on (kinesthetic). Continuous opportunities for learning about the vision will build a broad-based understanding and an active practice of prayer within your congregation.