Mike Puddicombe A Revitalization Coach’s 18-Point Evaluation Form to Transform Your Worship Experience
Practical insights and action steps for pastors, elders, and ministry teams
Sunday is the front door of your church.
It’s not just a service — it’s the weekly moment when the body of Christ gathers to encounter God, be shaped by His Word, and be sent out on mission. But too often, churches treat Sunday like routine instead of revelation.
That’s why you need to evaluate your Sunday service on a regular basis to assess how well a congregation is prepared for supernatural encounter every weekend.
“What happens on Sunday defines what matters to a church and its leaders… and how they’ll experience God’s presence and power.”
Whether you’re a pastor, elder, deacon, or ministry leader, this evaluation will help you see your Sunday through the eyes of a first-time guest.
Phase 1: First Impressions
(Questions 1–7)
Before anyone hears a sermon, they’ve already decided if they’ll return.
1. Are the building and grounds well-maintained? Curb appeal reflects care for God’s house.
Why it matters: The exterior is the first sermon your church preaches. Peeling paint, overgrown shrubs, or cracked sidewalks say, “We don’t care.” A well-kept campus says, “We’re ready for you.”
Red Flags:
- Trash in parking lot
- Faded signage
- Dead plants or un-mowed grass
- Broken windows or doors
Action Steps:
- Form a “First Impressions Team” (3–5 volunteers).
- Walk the property monthly with a checklist.
- Budget 1–2% of annual income for upkeep.
- Post a “We’re glad you’re here!” banner at the entrance.
2. Is there sufficient parking for all? Frustration begins in the lot.
Why it matters: Guests should never circle for 10 minutes. Parking stress sets a negative tone before they enter.
Red Flags:
- No guest parking
- Reserved spots for staff only
- Poorly lit or unsafe lot
- No handicapped access
Action Steps:
- Reserve 10–15 closest spots for guests.
- Use bright cones or signs: “Welcome! Park Here!”
- Train parking team to arrive 45 minutes early.
- Consider off-site shuttle if space is limited.
3. Are there well-posted signs guiding persons where to go? Confusion kills momentum.
Why it matters: First-timers don’t know where the nursery, restrooms, or worship center is. Clear signage = confidence.
Red Flags:
- Handwritten or faded signs
- Missing directional arrows
- Too many signs (visual clutter)
- No signs for children’s check-in
Action Steps:
- Use large, bold, consistent fonts.
- Place signs at every decision point.
- Include “You Are Here” maps near entrances.
- Add digital kiosks if budget allows.
4. Are there welcome, informed, and friendly greeters? A smile + direction = trust.
Why it matters: Greeters are missionaries of first contact. A warm, informed welcome can increase return rate by 20–30%.
Red Flags:
- Greeters talking among themselves
- No name tags
- No knowledge of service times or children’s ministry
- Standing inside instead of outside doors
Action Steps:
- Train greeters with a 30-minute script.
- Ask: “Is this your first time? Let me walk you to your seat!”
- Give “I’m New” gift (coffee mug, pen, info card).
5. Is the nursery clean, well-supplied, and staffed? Parents judge safety first.
Why it matters: Parents will never return if they don’t trust your children’s ministry. Safety + cleanliness = peace of mind.
Red Flags:
- No check-in system
- Toys on floor, stained carpets
- No background-checked volunteers
- No pager or text alert system
Action Steps:
- Use secure check-in software (Planning Center, KidCheck).
- Clean weekly with checklist (toys, cribs, changing tables).
- Require 2 adults per room (never 1:1).
- Post “We Love Kids!” photos on social media.
6. Are Sunday school teachers in the room and prepared early? Readiness shows intentionality.
Why it matters: Teachers arriving late or unprepared signal disorganization. Early presence builds relationships.
Red Flags:
- Teachers rushing in at start time
- No name tags or welcome table
- No lesson plan visible
- Empty classrooms 10 minutes before start
Action Steps:
- Teachers arrive 15 minutes early.
- Greet every child by name.
- Have welcome activity ready (coloring, puzzle).
- Send “We missed you!” texts to absentees.
7. Is printed material well-designed and attractively placed? Clutter communicates chaos.
Why it matters: Bulletins, connect cards, and flyers are communication tools, not clutter. Design matters.
Red Flags:
- Black-and-white photocopies
- Too much text
- No clear “Next Steps”
- Piles of old bulletins
Action Steps:
- Use software like Canva or Adobe Express for professional design.
- Include QR code to digital connect card.
- Place materials in high-traffic areas (not stacked on a table).
- Limit bulletin to 1 page front/back.
Phase 2: Worship Environment
(Questions 8–15)
The room sets the stage for revelation.
8. Do people sit together or scattered out? Empty pews signal decline.
Why it matters: Scattered seating makes the room feel empty and unwelcoming, even if 70% full.
Red Flags:
- People spread out like “islands”
- Back rows filled first
- No ushers guiding seating
- No “reserved for guests” signs
Action Steps:
- Ushers fill from the front.
- Use “Please sit in the center sections” signs.
- Block off back 25% until needed.
- Celebrate “We’re growing!” when overflow is needed.
9. How well does this church connect with the surrounding community? Are newcomers expected?
Why it matters: A church that doesn’t reflect its community will slowly die. Diversity in age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status is a growth indicator.
Red Flags:
- 95%+ same demographic
- No outreach events
- No social media presence
- No community partnerships
Action Steps:
- Host block parties, VBS, food drives.
- Partner with local schools, police, businesses.
- Track “How did you hear about us?” on connect cards.
- Pray for 10 new families by name each week.
10. Is there enough space for all people? Crowded = growth. Cramped = complaint.
Why it matters: 80% capacity is the growth threshold. Over 80% = barriers to new guests.
Red Flags:
- Standing room only
- No seats for latecomers
- Multiple services needed but resisted
- “We like it cozy” mindset
Action Steps:
- Launch 2nd service at 70% capacity.
- Use overflow room with live feed.
- Train team to add chairs mid-service if needed.
- Celebrate: “We’re making room for more!”
11. Is the worship centre inviting or stuck in yesterday? Décor should welcome, not repel.
Why it matters: Outdated décor (1970s carpet, faded banners) screams “We stopped growing in 1985!”
Red Flags:
- Dark paneling, dim lighting
- Cluttered stage
- Dead plants or dusty silk flowers
- No stage branding
Action Steps:
- Refresh paint every 5 years.
- Add modern lighting (LED, warm tones).
- Remove 80% of stage clutter.
- Display current sermon series graphics.
12. Do worship leaders project preparedness? Distraction kills reverence.
Why it matters: Worship leaders are spiritual guides. Technical glitches or disorganization pull focus from God.
Red Flags:
- Sound checks during service
- Lyrics not ready
- Band members late
- No rehearsal
Action Steps:
- Week night rehearsal (full run-through).
- Sound check 60 minutes before.
- Use Planning Center (or similar software) for song planning.
- Train team: “We’re not performing — we’re leading worship.”
13. Is the music inspiring? Worship isn’t a warmup act.
Why it matters: Music sets the emotional and spiritual tone. It should lift hearts, not just fill time.
Red Flags:
- Songs no one knows
- Off-key or out-of-tune
- Too loud or too soft
- No blend of hymns and modern
Action Steps:
- Choose 3–4 songs per service (2 familiar, 1–2 new).
- Use multi-generational playlist.
- Record worship moments for social media.
- Ask: “Did this draw us closer to God?”
14. Is there a spirit of expectancy? Faith anticipates God’s move.
Why it matters: People come hungry for God. Expectancy is contagious.
Red Flags:
- Routine, robotic feel
- No prayer for salvation
- No altar call or response time
- Pastor seems distracted
Action Steps:
- Start with “God is here!” declaration.
- Share testimonies weekly.
- End with clear gospel invitation.
- Train team to pray expectantly all week.
15. Does worship flow well — or do announcements kill momentum? Bulletins exist for a reason.
Why it matters: Flow = focus on God. 5-minute announcements kill momentum.
Red Flags:
- Pastor reads every bulletin item
- No video announcements
- No pre-service slides
- Awkward pauses
- Worship leader talks too much
Action Steps:
- Move 95% of announcements to:
- Bulletin
- Pre-service slides
- 60-second video
- Keep verbal announcements to 60 seconds max.
- Use “One Big Ask” per week.
- Limit how often worship leader explains song
Phase 3: The Message & Takeaway
(Questions 16–18)
People remember what moves them.
16. Did the pastor communicate the gospel clearly? Clarity > cleverness.
Why it matters: The gospel must be clear, compelling, and applicable. Jargon confuses; stories connect.
Red Flags:
- 47-minute sermon with no point
- No application
- No gospel presentation
- Too many Greek/Hebrew words
Action Steps:
- End with “Here’s what to do this week.”
- Offer sermon-based small groups.
17. What was the highlight of the worship experience? Name the moment God showed up.
Why it matters: People remember moments, not minutes. Identify what moved them.
Red Flags:
- “I don’t know”
- “The coffee was good”
- No emotional or spiritual peak
- No response time
Action Steps:
- Build one “God moment” per service (testimony, baptism, prayer).
- Use lighting, silence, or music to highlight.
- Ask congregation: “When did you feel closest to God?”
- Share highlights in weekly email.
18. What did you take away from this worship service? Transformation, not just information.
Why it matters: People should leave changed, not just informed.
Red Flags:
- “Nice service”
- No next step
- No connect card filled out
- No prayer or commitment
Action Steps:
- End with clear next step:
- “Fill out connect card”
- “Join a group”
- “Text ‘GROW’ to 555–1234”
- Follow up within 48 hours.
- Track “I will…” commitments.
Bonus: The 3 Questions Every Church Must Answer
After the evaluation, ask your team:
- Are we excellent at the essentials?
- Are we removing barriers to faith?
- Are we expecting God to move?