by Delores Orcutt, MSN-PHN, RN, FCN
Conducting a needs assessment may be an unusual topic to read about in a church publication. It is typically reserved for secular organizations like business or public health. However, a church community is an ideal place for this effort. This article will explain the what, why, and how behind a needs assessment and what our congregation learned through ours.
In general, a needs assessment is a tool to identify existing gaps between what is currently happening and the desired outcome. Companies use these assessments to streamline work processes and eliminate duplicate work. This tool is also beneficial for planning new programs. Identifying the key needs can ensure that resources and manpower are directed to the appropriate areas and unnecessary costs are avoided.
Why should this be done in a church setting? It is vital to know what the congregation needs. Members are at different life stages, and their needs and personal resources may differ according to those stages. In looking solely at demographics, leaders can determine if a new ministry is needed. For example, a large influx of families with young children may indicate the need for parenting classes or MOPS programs, while the loss of several members may require grief support.
As a faith community nurse (FCN), I propose that understanding the health needs of the church members can shape volunteer opportunities and new ministries as well. Asking only the elderly members about health needs would create an incomplete picture. Members going through cancer treatment, parents with new babies, and people from other cultural backgrounds may also need support for their health needs. Jesus’ ministry included healing of disease and meeting physical needs, as well as spiritual teachings. The situation in Acts 6:1-7 shows an example of the apostles learning of an unmet physical need and redirecting resources to address it. This is how a needs assessment should work.
Now that the what and why have been presented, how does a church go about conducting a needs assessment? It is crucial to establish the focus of the assessment. What is the purpose? Is it vision casting or expanding current ministries, or something else? Once that is determined, there are typically three categories of information collected. First, measure the needs or the interests connected to the assessment’s focus. Next, ascertain existing assets and skills within your congregation. Lastly, investigate any existing barriers. These barriers may be financial, geographical, or related to time or scheduling.
The assessment can be carried out in a variety of ways. Townhall-type sessions are one method that allows people to hear the vision of the proposal and ask questions prior to sharing their opinions. Interviews can be conducted if your population size is small or the information you want to collect is simplistic in nature, e.g. Do you prefer Pepsi or Coke? A questionnaire is another format. You can include several questions and allow anonymity in the submissions.
About the Author:
Delores has been a nurse since 1990, working in the hospital, clinic, school and home settings. She has served in the Northwest Church’s health ministry since 2013 and completed the Foundations in Faith Community Nursing program to be a Faith Community Nurse in 2019. The project to complete her master’s in public health nursing was a congregational needs assessment for the Northwest Church in Lynnwood, WA. Her passion is holistic and preventative care and empowering people to be proactive about their health.
Leave a Reply