Singing

Situational Analysis Form

The Form:

It's called a Situational Analysis Form that I developed some years ago. I would use it with my Elders about annually. I always made it very clear they were to complete it NOT on the basis of what they personally might like, but on the basis of what they believed the life and needs of this congregation needed at this time. They would complete it, I would tabulate it, and take that into consideration in making selections for sermon planning during the year ahead. I've attached it as it will appear in our forthcoming book to be published this Fall.

The Process:

  1. I was always collecting ideas for sermons and series in my "Hopper".
  2. Elders completed the "Situational Analysis Form" and I tabulated the data and impressions.
  3. I would suggest about twice as many series of sermons than I could include in a years time, present these suggestions to the Elders and ask them to narrow them down with me.
  4. Then I'd do the planning of (1) series for the year, and (2) single sermons for the year, in between the series.

Situational Analysis Form

As someone very involved in the life of this congregation, you have received impressions and information that provide you with a knowledge of the personal needs of its members. There are many ways in which you may have received that knowledge--personal conversations, pastoral calling, family visitation, group interactions, and so on.

You will provide vital assistance in the planning of preaching by indicating the matters that you believe preaching must address during the coming year. Be sure that you make your selection below on the basis of what you believe the congregation needs and not just on what your personal preferences may be.

  1. Questions of faith (Please check the three most important ones)

    ___ the assurance of salvation
    ___ discerning God's will for our lives
    ___ the need for personal conversion
    ___ matters of eschatology and the "last things"
    ___ stewardship (of finances, time resources, creation)
    ___ the life of worship
    ___ witnessing and sharing our faith
    ___ Christian education for children and youth

  2. Matters of doctrine (Please check the three most important ones)

    ___ salvation by the grace of God alone
    ___ the person and work of Christ
    ___ the nature and task of the Christian Church
    ___ the work and power of the Holy Spirit
    ___ sin and repentance
    ___ the creation and providence of God
    ___ the inspiration and authority of Scripture
    ___ the greatness and sovereignty of God

  3. Personal Growth (Please check the three most important ones)

    ___ preparing for and maintaining Christian marriages
    ___ the responsibilities of Christian parenthood
    ___ growing through affliction and suffering
    ___ the dangers of an unforgiving spirit
    ___ overcoming the tendency to be complacent
    ___ overcoming fear and anxiety
    ___ discovering and developing spiritual gifts
    ___ establishing and maintaining better personal relationships

  4. Moral/Ethical Issues (Please check the three most important ones)

    ___ issues about the sacredness of life
    ___ alcohol, drugs and addictions
    ___ materialism
    ___divorce and remarriage
    ___ racism, prejudice, and injustice
    ___ poverty and world hunger
    ___ war and world peace
    ___ the relationships of church and state

  5. Temptations (Please check the three most important ones)

    ___ greed, envy and jealousy
    ___ lust and adultery
    ___ a critical spirit toward others
    ___ a spirit of self-centeredness
    ___ hedonism and the pleasure-filled life
    ___ Sabbath practices
    ___dishonesty and lying
    ___misplaced priorities

  6. What other concerns do you have about needs that exist in the life of this congregation that you believe ought to be taken into consideration in designing a year of preaching that will be appropriate and relevant?