As part of the process of candidacy for ministry in the Protestant Church, committees on ministry are charged with the responsibility of evaluating the people applying for this sensitive and difficult work. Included in this evaluation process is a complete psycho-social assessment by a professional in the field of mental health.
The Program for Testing and Evaluation
At the Counseling Center we offer a program of testing and evaluation designed to flag problems the candidates may have as they prepare for the ministry and look forward to it as a career choice. The process begins with a battery of personality and vocational interest tests.
- Personality Inventory
16 PR tests 16 personality factors including warmth, emotional stability, sensitivity, self-reliance, openness to change, etc.
- Leadership Style
FIRO-B and MBT1 are tests which together look at the leadership style of the candidate, interpersonal needs, and the impact of his or her behavior in the workplace. Both instruments tap into key aspects of personality and behavior in areas such as communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and interpersonal relations.
- Strong Vocational Interest Scale
This scale usually confirms the candidate's decision to enter the ministry. It also might provide areas of specialization in church work or encourage candidates to think about specialized training for ministry.
- Personal Interview
This interview, with a mental health professional, can last for two or more hours. The evolution of the candidate's interest in ministry will be explored as well as relevant personal and family history. The candidate will be encouraged to look at strengths and weaknesses that would enhance or hinder their ability to serve a congregation.
FOLLOWUP EVENTS
The Comprehensive Written Report
Then, a complete and comprehensive report of the above findings will be written. Raw data from the tests, interpretive comments from the test information and the interview will be included. Potential problem areas that might need attention will be addressed. Specific recommendations will be made for stopping, continuing, or delaying the candidacy. Suggestions for remediation of problem areas will also be made.
Discussion with the Candidate
Finally, the report will be shared with the candidate so that a dialogue can be started and a joint understanding can be reached. Any disagreements in interpretation will be passed along to the committee with the final report. The examining professional will be available to the committee for explanation and consultation should that be necessary.
Cost of the Service
The total cost for this service, including testing, materials, interview, report, and follow-up consultation is $1,500. The testing and interview can be scheduled in Westchester or at one of our offices in New York City.
Staff who will perform the evaluation
The Counseling Center is in a unique position to do this work because it has a staff highly trained in testing, interviewing, and psychological evaluation. We also have pastoral counselors on our staff who have served churches themselves and know the challenges such a ministry can present.
The two pastoral counselors who are particularly trained for this work are Richard Shoup, D.Min. and Kenneth Ruge, D. Min. In addition to being clergy people, they have each had over twenty years of experience in counseling and psychotherapy. Together with Nina Frost, they formed the Vocare Group eight years ago to help people discover their true vocational interests and energy.
