Awakenings Prayer Institute

Introduction to an Assessment

Introduction

The Awakenings Prayer Institute is a two-year learning community that teaches and practices contemplative patterns of prayer and encourages putting these disciplines to use in active ministry.

We do this with:

SeminarsRetreatsWorkshopsCustom Training EventsSpecial Prayer Assignments

We have a goal of training 1000 practitioners and 100 facilitators in 10 years.

We are in our third year.

I. Introduction II. Profile A. History B. Vision C. Structure D. Culture E. Stakeholders 1. Internal 2. External III. Outputs and Products A. Events B. Information Products IV. Processes A. Strategic Planning B. Marketing C. Internal Communication

D. Learning

E. Evaluation F. Professional Development G. Administration F. Finances V. Results A. Strengths and opportunities B. Weaknesses and threats C. Lessons Learned. VI. Next Steps A. Recommendations 1. Keep what works 2. Abandon what doesn’t work B. Implementation Strategies 1. Who advises? 2. Who decides? 3. Timeframe 4. Monitoring

TWO CHALLENGES

• Evaluation/Measurement

Challenge: We can count how many students complete the training. But how do you measure the quality of the training? How do you measure closeness to God? Or the joy of recognizing His voice?

• Finances

Challenge: Income does not cover salaries. How do we become economically sustainable while not creating economic barriers to the teaching?

Measuring the Quality of Prayer Life

Before and after surveys with scaled ratings of• Time spent in prayer• Desire to prayer• Tolerance for silence• Sensing God’s Presence• Frequency of receiving clear guidance

Anecdotal or testimonial data collected from• Remarks section of surveys• Recorded interviews• Class evaluations – especially end of year

Longitudinal follow-up with former students• One year• Three year• Five year

Asking Tough Financial Questions

What financial benchmarks are available in similar organizations?

What are the sources of income?

What are some untapped sources of income?

How have the sources of income changed over time?

What are the types of income?

What are some untapped types of income?

What is the budget process?

What financial statements are produced?

How often and by whom are financial statements reviewed?

What processes are in place to control costs?