Evaluation serves multiple purposes. It teaches the intern to make effective use of self-appraisal throughout a lifetime of ministry. Evaluation also helps the intern discern the wisdom of his or her vocational choice, which may include confirming one’s call to Christian ministry or guiding the intern toward another form of work. It provides a means by which the intern is held accountable for his or her ministry.
The evaluation process identifies the intern’s strengths (what he or she did well) and weaknesses (what he or she could do better). It is not merely a matter of saying, “This was good” or “That was bad.” Rather, it is intended to be a dialogue, not a final judgment. The evaluations of the intern are meant to be useful to the intern, HIM, and the intern’s college, as all work together to equip him or her for professional ministry.