Personal Spiritual Assessment Guide

At Brentwood

United Methodist Church

our purpose is to touch hearts

and transform lives for the glory

of God and the good of the world. In

Christian community we are becoming

deeply committed followers of Christ; Christians who know, love, and serve

God. This short assessment is designed to help you identify where you are on your spiritual journey so that you can make choices that will best guide your growth.

The

JOURNEY Personal Spiritual Assessment Use the 15 SPIRITUAL ASSESSMENT questions inside to assess where you are honestly and prayerfully; then select one or two of the suggested next steps.

start here!

spiritual assessment does not apply

knowing God

applies applies sometimes completely

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2. I have a good knowledge of the Bible, including its major events and themes, and I know how to read it for maximum understanding.

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3. If someone were to ask me, “What do United Methodists believe?” I feel confident in my ability to answer them.

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1. I understand the essential beliefs of the Christian faith, and feel confident that I could explain them to a non-religious friend.

4. I have a growing understanding of basic Christian ethics [faithful living], and I am continually developing a deeper ability to draw upon my faith to come to conclusions about important moral and ethical issues.

5. I have a growing understanding of God’s will for human beings, and I know how to discern God’s will for my life in particular.

loving God

does not apply

applies applies sometimes completely

1. I know God has the power to transform lives and I’m open and responsive to wherever that may lead in my life.

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2. I lay aside my own desires and sense of importance and submit to God’s will for my life.

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3. As a means of growing in Christ, I practice various spiritual disciplines [prayer, meditation, study, fasting, worship, confession, service] in my life.

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4. I am experiencing “the fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22) in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

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5. I have a group of friends who grow in faith together and challenge each other to grow deeper in Christ.

does not apply

serving God

applies applies sometimes completely

1. I invest time in building my relationships with God and with my ‘neighbor’.

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2. I know my God-given spiritual gifts, and am actively serving Christ by using those gifts.

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3. I give back to Christ by giving to the church and to others in proportion to my income with at least 10% as my goal.

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4. I spend time serving in God’s world by helping meet critical needs and showing what it means to follow Jesus Christ.

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5. I am actively nurturing the spiritual lives of others, sharing my faith story, offering spiritual encouragement and leading others to Christ.

Step 1: Place your self-assessment number for each question below. For example, if you scored a 2 on question 1 in the ‘knowing ‘section, place a 2 in the box as your score.

Knowing

# 1 2 3 4 5

Score Level 2 1

Loving

# 1 2 3 4 5

Score Level

Serving

# 1 2 3 4 5

Score Level

Step 2: Find the level representing a score of 2 and place it in the box labeled ‘level’.

0-2 points: Level 1 3-4 points: Level 2 5 points: Level 3 Step 3: Turn to the inside of this folder. Locate question 1, level 1 under the knowing

section. Circle it. Complete this for every question. Then select one or more

areas in which you can grow in your relationship with God.

head

Knowing God:

Becoming Theologically Informed

1. I understand the essential beliefs of the Christian faith, and feel confident that I could explain them to a non-religious friend.

Level 1 Read Martin Thielen’s new book What is the Least I can Believe and Still Be a Christian?: A Guide to What Matters Most. The book is available in the Outpost.

If you are reading with a group, a leader’s guide can be downloaded at http://thielen.wjkbooks.com.

Level 2 Many Christians find a hymnal their most helpful spiritual book after the Bible.

Use your United Methodist Hymnal in daily personal and family devotions. Read the words of one hymn daily as poetry. Sing the ones you know. Hymnals are available in the Outpost.

Level 3 Within your small group or with a group of two to three others memorize the Apostle’s Creed (UMH#881).

Write down what each belief statement means, find where it is supported in scripture, and share your understanding of each belief with your group.

2. I have a good knowledge of the Bible, including its major events and themes, and I know how to read it for maximum understanding.

Level 1 Commit to reading your Bible each day, using the Upper Room Devotional Guide.

Upper Rooms are available at the guest services desk in the church narthex. Subscribe to a daily Upper Room email at www.upperroom.org/devotional.

Level 2 Purchase a good study Bible such as The New Interpreter’s Study Bible or a Life Application Bible. [Both available at the Outpost or www.cokesbury.com] Learn how to use the notes, maps and other tools and begin by studying the book of Mark.

Level 3 Talk within your class on Sunday morning or your small group about how to deepen your group Bible study, using questions such as “How is God speaking to me personally through this passage?” or “What will I change in my life because of what I’ve learned from this passage?”

3. If someone were to ask me, “What do United Methodists believe?” I feel confident in my ability to answer them.

Level 1 Learn and understand the purpose and vision of Brentwood United Methodist Church www. bumc.net/mission. Why is this vision important? How do you see our church being faithful in living out this vision?

Level 2 Study Lovett Weem’s John Wesley’s Message for Today, [a pocket guide is available at The Outpost bookstore] to deepen your understanding of our church’s major teachings and heritage.

Level 3 Within your small group Study the documents included under the “Beliefs” tab on the www.umc.org website. Invite two or three people to read the Beliefs with you and discuss what you read.

4. I have a growing understanding of basic Christian ethics and I am continually developing a deeper ability to draw upon my faith to come to conclusions about important moral and ethical issues.

Level 1 Each day you face ethical decisions. Before you act, ask yourself (and pray about the answer), “What course of action will best express my love for God and neighbor?”

Level 2 Read Confronting the Controversies available at The Outpost bookstore. As you read, reflect on how willing you are to look at both sides of tough issues, and prayerfully ask God to help you grow in your ability to make informed, responsible ethical choices.

Level 3 Attend “Homosexuality and the Church”, led by Rev. Kaye Harvey on Wednesday evenings in June 2011. Sign up at www.bumc.net/adultstudies.

5. I have a growing understanding of God’s will for human beings and I know how to discern God’s will for my life in particular.

Level 1 Keep a log of your busy life, of your activities and obligations. Ask “Does my busyness flow from God’s will? In which areas I am truly ‘needed’? In which areas might I be trying to make myself feel important and needed?” Is there something you need to give up doing?

Level 2 Attend “Why?: Making sense of God’s Will”, an Adam Hamilton Study led by Donna Gaither. Sessions focus in four areas: Why do the Innocent Suffer?; Why do my prayers go unanswered?; Why can’t I see God’s will for my life; and Why God’s love prevails.

Level 3 Attend “Love Wins,” a book study led by Doug and Pat Ralls. “Rob Bell tackles the old heaven-and-hell question and offers a courageous alternative answer. You may find freedom and hope and a new way of understanding the biblical story - from beginning to end.” [Brian D. McLaren]

heart

Loving God:

Becoming Spiritually Transformed

1. I know God has the power to transform lives and I’m open and responsive to wherever that may lead in my life.

Level 1 Set a plan to rid your life of hurry. Take the first step by picking the longest line at the grocery store, celebrating each red light, parking in the farthest parking space. Use the time to speak to the person in line with you, pray, or enjoy a time of silence.

Level 2 Attend “God in the Wilderness,” led by Jeff Wilson. Words such as patience, initiative, awe, rest, perfection and restoration are ‘virtues’ that we can gain by spending time in the natural world. Join in great conversation and a field trip or two!

Level 3 Study the Ten Commandments (Exo. 20:2-17). Assess yourself. Are you stealing (even stealing time)? What ‘gods’ do you place before God? Do you honor your parents? Love your neighbor?

Where have you ‘fallen short of the mark’. How will you live in a different direction?

2. I lay aside my own desires and sense of importance and submit to God’s will for my life.

Level 1 Examine your life and identify those things you do or say that tend to make you look good to others. Surrender those habits/actions to God.

Level 2 Fast from TV or another time-consuming habit for one week. Reflect on how this habit affects you. Use the extra time to enjoy your family and friends or to spend with God.

Level 3 Each day pray the Wesley Covenant Prayer [found in the United Methodist Hymnal, p. 607]. After praying the whole prayer, take one line each day and meditate on living a life reflective of this line’s meaning for you.

3. As a means of growing in Christ, I practice various spiritual disciplines [prayer, meditation, study, fasting, worship, confession, service] in my life.

Level 1 Pray ‘flash prayers’ silently for others. Standing in line, driving your car or riding on a bus, sitting in a room — in any setting, pray for the people or circumstances around you, saying “God touch their lives, watch over them, and draw them to you.”

Level 2 Attend “Prayer and Personality,” led by Judith Bone on Wednesday mornings. Using MyersBriggs personality profiles will help each person to better understand the ways in which prayer can ‘suit’ your God-given nature.

Level 3 Set aside 15 minutes a day.

Use the time for journaling, meditation on the scripture, or some other spiritual discipline to which God calls you. For ideas consult Soul Feast by Marjorie Thompson [The Outpost] and commit to incorporating it in your spiritual growth plan.

4. I am experiencing “the fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22) in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Level 1 Memorize Galatians 5:22, the verse that lists “the fruit of the Spirit.” In daily living with which fruit do you struggle?

Ask God to help your life show this challenging ‘fruit of the Spirit’ to others.

Level 2 Attend “The Art of Forgiving,” led by Kaye Harvey. “When we forgive, we set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner we set free is us.” Forgetting may be difficult, but forgiving can help us along the path toward release and healing.

Level 3 Ask three people who know you very well for honest feedback on your life and on how well you live the fruit of the Spirit. Enlist their help in targeting one area for growth.

5. I am involved with a group of friends who grow in faith together and challenge each other to grow deeper in Christ.

Level 1 Reflect on your time and relationships—who do you meet with regularly and how could they help encourage you on your walk with Christ? Take steps to include questions about your faith journey when you meet together.

Level 2 Expand the folks who encourage you on your faith journey by adding people to a group or seeking an opportunity beyond your Sunday morning class. Try asking one another Wesley’s question, “How is it with your soul?”

Level 3 Create or join a group that meets regularly, even weekly.

Make some commitments together around actions of compassion, justice, worship and devotion. Define how you will be accountable with your shared commitments.

Contact Eric Burton-Krieger for more information.

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Serving God:

Serving God Daily in the World

1. I invest time in building my relationship with God and my relationships with my ‘neighbor’.

Level 1 Set aside at least two hours a month specifically for serving God and others.

Check www.bumc.net/serving for current serving opportunities. While there review the “Find Your Fit” video and Serving Opportunities 2011.

Level 2 Attend “Redeeming Our Time: a Gift to God”, led by Judith Bone. Consider the ways in which God is present in daily life, and sense the increase of his power within us when we make space for him. Bring your calendar; your ‘time’ concerns; your busyness.

Level 3 Review your entire calendar. Ask yourself, “If I were accused of making God the most important person in my life, would my calendar convict me of that charge, or acquit me?” What changes will move me closer to God?

2. I know my God-given spiritual gifts, and am actively serving Christ by using these gifts.

Level 1 Identify what things (paid or volunteer) you really love doing and find energizing and rewarding. Find ways to do those things for God.

Level 2 Discover your God-given spiritual gifts by using Serving from the Heart [available in the Outpost].

Connect to one or more ministries that will benefit from those gifts.

Level 3 Focus on how God intends you to use your giftedness throughout all areas of your life, not just within the church. Discuss with someone in Adult Discipleship how you might use your gifts to live out your God-given calling. Contact Judith Bone or Eric Burton-Krieger.

3. I give back to Christ by giving to the church and to others in proportion to my income with at least 10% as my goal.

Level 1 Think about your current financial giving patterns— what steps could you take to give more consistently? As you respond to God in this way, take note of the ‘fruits’ this practice bears in your spiritual life.

Level 2 Strive to increase your giving by one or two percent of your income as a move toward the goal of tithing (giving 10% of your income).

Level 3 Make tithing the baseline for your giving, and give more than 10% of your income as God makes that possible.

Include God’s kingdom in your estate planning, as well as in your regular, ongoing giving.

4. I spend time serving in God’s world by helping meet critical needs and showing what it means to follow Jesus Christ.

Level 1 Volunteer inside and outside the walls of the church choosing occasional or one-time opportunities like Vacation Bible School, Harvest Hands or through Hands on Nashville at www.hon.org.

Level 2 Consistently give volunteer service inside and outside the walls of the church, e.g. a regularly scheduled usher or ongoing involvement within a specific mission project.

Level 3 As God leads you, serve others and pursue justice in all that you do, including increased leadership in a ministry area that best utilizes your spiritual gifts, passions, abilities, personality and life experiences.

5. I am actively nurturing the spiritual lives of others, sharing my faith story, offering spiritual encouragement and leading others to Christ.

Level 1 Participate in an act of generosity toward or service for another as a way to live out your love for Christ. As a part of your activity, mention that you are a part of BUMC and that your faith motivates your actions.

Level 2 Invite a friend, a family member or a neighbor to attend worship or other church activity with you.

Begin by praying for God to open doors to extending such invitations.

Level 3 Look back over your faith journey for moments you especially felt God’s presence. What parts of this story with God could you share that would inspire others?

Practice telling this story in prayerful expectation that you will have the opportunity to share your experiences.

knowing God

head

We can never fully understand God. But the mysteries and questions we encounter are not obstacles to growth – they are invitations to continually journey deeper in our understanding of God and the kingdom to which God invites us. As we increase our understanding of the God we worship and serve, which is what the word “theology” means, we increase our capacity to live the life God designed for us.

loving God

heart hands

What we think and what we do are expressions of who we are.

Trying hard to change ourselves is a losing proposition – but when we’re traveling with God and letting God work in our lives, we find that transformation becomes a beautiful reality!

serving God

The Christian life is about more than correct thoughts and a loving attitude; it’s about living our calling to be salt and light in the world. This means doing the work of the kingdom.

Take the next STEP today

Visit www.bumc.net/spiritualassessment for a webpage with links to resources, classes and service opportunities in each growth area...knowing, loving and serving God.

Visit www.bumc.net/adultstudies to register for the following Classes:

• Homosexuality and the Church • Why? Making Sense of God’s Will • Love Wins • God in the Wilderness • Prayer and Personality • The Art of Forgiving • Redeeming Our Time: A Gift to God

Questions? Contact Judith Bone, jbone@bumc.net, 324-7258 or Eric Burton-Krieger, eburtonkrieger@bumc.net, 324-8207

Brentwood United Methodist Church

309 Franklin Road • Brentwood, Tennessee 37027 615-373-3663 • www.bumc.net