Engaging With New Housing

Section D: How to plan and evaluate

Introduction

The call to test, discern and examine if and how God is at work are clear principles throughout the Bible. The Psalmist is constantly coming before God to be tested and examined (for example Psalms 26:2-3). Paul and John in their letters exhort their readers to examine themselves and test what people think the Spirit may be saying (2 Corinthians 13:5-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22, 1 John 4:1-2). In Colossians 3:16-17, Paul makes it clear that this is not purely self-examination but that together we should teach and admonish one another. Even Jesus is happy for people to evaluate his ministry alongside Scripture (see Isaiah 35 particularly verse 5 and 6) in order for people to decide whether he is ‘the one’.

John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, he sent them to the Lord to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’ When the men came to Jesus, they said, ‘John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” ’ At that very time, Jesus cured many who had diseases, illnesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. So he replied to the messengers, ‘Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.’ Luke 7:18-23 NIV UK

The principle and practice of testing, examining, and discerning is a good one. There are many models of project evaluation from different fields and disciplines that can helpfully inform our practice.

As with all areas of these guides – and in this aspect too – it is important to ensure that the theology of who we are and the purpose of our calling is central to the practice of planning and evaluation. As Paul writes, ‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2 NIVUK) Where is God in this work and what is the Spirit revealing to us? This avoids functional atheism, where God is excluded from the process, and opens us to the possibility of Spirit-led unexpected directions and outcomes.

As with all the guides, this section is an introduction to engaging with these complex areas.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11 NIV UK