PURPOSE OF THIS ASSESSMENT
Regardless of where we are on our spiritual journey, God is graciously working to conform us to the image of Christ. We are all broken people, but God is working to fully restore us in every way. Because of Jesus Christ, God is not ashamed to call us his own, his very own beloved children. We are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Our vision and hope for everyone is that they will flourish more and more under the joyful reign of Jesus. And we look forward to the day when all who love the Lord Jesus will one day perfectly and fully reflect the glory of God.
“Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father,”
Matthew 13:43.
We also rejoice that our brokenness does not disqualify us for the Lord’s service. Quite the contrary! Broken people are the only kind the Lord uses. God chooses what is weak in the world to shame the strong, so that no one may boast in his presence. We have the treasure of the glory of the gospel of grace in “jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us” (2 Cor. 4:7). It is by the power God’s Spirit living within us that we do anything of value, so that in all things God may be glorified.
With these great truths in view, we want this to foster both celebration and sobriety, joy and godly grief. As God shows us areas of life where we are flourishing, doing well, growing, and honoring God, we want to pause give thanks and celebrate his gracious work in our lives. At the same time, we trust God to show us where repentance and change is needed, areas he wants us to pay attention to, ways we need to grow. Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death," (2 Cor. 7:10). There is no condemnation for us, only the kindness and grace of a God who is determined to bring us into the fullness of joy!
While much of this assessment would apply to any Christian, some questions are specifically designed for people desiring to become church planters among UPGs. The hardships of pioneering work among UPGs are real. Missionaries suffer. We need to count the costs of this path. We ask the following questions because areas of brokenness will be greatly pressed in this kind of ministry context. Through this process, it may become clear that God is indeed wanting to send you out very soon. It could also be that he wants you to go, but now is not the right time. Paul received his calling to be an apostle to the Gentiles at the time of his conversion. But it appears that at least 4 or 5 years passed before he was sent out from Antioch on his first missionary journey (Galatians 1:11-24; Acts 11:25-30). It could also be that he has a different but equally honorable role for you in his Kingdom at this time.
We hope this process will help you discern “what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect,” (Romans 12:2). Please keep in mind that this self-assessment is only one part of the overall process.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Please answer the following with highest integrity and honesty. It is not expected or necessary for someone to be strong in all of these areas. But there is great value in knowing where we are in this life-long process of sanctification. If for any reason, you are uncomfortable answering any of these questions, please feel free to stop and let us know.