How do we assess the life and work of a group?

Dimensions of assessment

Assessing the life and work of a group entails three dimensions:

• Appreciation
• Regret
• Hope

Reviewing these dimensions regularly throughout the life of the group will build into the peer community a culture of learning, mutuality and growth.

When -- and what -- should we evaluate?

• At each meeting. Near the end of each gathering, develop the discipline of asking each group member to share one learning from the meeting. Help integrate the ensuing conversation and create a sense of forward movement.
• Quarterly. At least quarterly, devote additional time to group conversation about the following questions:
  • What do I appreciate about this group?
  • What do I regret about how this group functions?
  • What do I hope can be different in the next season?
• Annually. Discuss how members’ ministries are different from a year before. Ask how those differences connect to the experience of the peer learning group.  Review the group’s covenant and affirm or amend the promises made to each other and to God. Larger groups can circulate questionnaires and gather the results or facilitators can interview members. Groups benefit, however, from doing assessment as a community rather than assigning the task to one person.
• When the membership of the group changes. The entry or departure of a group member is an occasion to assess the impact of that person on the group and the group on that person. Such assessment will include affirmations, regrets and hopes.