psychological assessments for clergy candidates

Purpose

The purpose of the psychological assessment process is to provide psychological consultation for candidates for the ministry and for denominational officials whose responsibility it is to make decisions regarding candidates for the ministry. The psychological assessment is understood to be one aspect of a larger discernment process and its intent is to provide consultation in terms of psychological readiness for ministry.

Process

To initiate an assessment, email Jonathan Kruschwitz at assessments@vipcare.org

Upon request, VIPCare sends testing material and instructions to a candidate, who may complete the material remotely under the care of a monitor. Alternatively, the candidate may choose to complete the material in-person at the VIPCare office. The particular configuration of testing material and interpretive criteria are determined in advance by a dialogue between the denomination and VIPCare.

When the candidate has completed the testing material, a VIPCare testing consultant scores the material and prepares an initial assessment. Next, a VIPCare assessment specialist schedules a one-hour interview with the candidate, during which they read the draft report to the candidate and receive the candidate’s feedback.

The assessment specialist then produces a final report to send to the denomination and the candidate.

The report generally covers the following subjects: background biographical information, personality profile from the testing, self-image, vocational interests from the testing, addendum frmo the candidate, readiness for ministry, concerns, and suggested questions for the denominational interviewing committee. If a denomination desires coverage of other subjects, VIPCare may alter the report accordingly.

The assessment process may take up to 60 days from the time that the candidate returns the completed testing materials to VIPCare.