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The Ministry Experience Report (MER): Model B
[Model A] >
Model B >
[Example 1] >
[Example 2]
- Preliminary Data.
Who are the main characters in this incident?
Give a brief description of the role of each person.
- Choice
Why did you choose to report on this incident?
What do you want to learn by presenting it?
- Plans and preparation
What was your previous knowledge of the person(s) and issues involved?
What expectations were there?
- Impressions
Describe the physical setting as you observed it. What is located in the area—furniture, windows, personal items? Where do people (including yourself) stand or sit? As the encounter begins, what are your general impressions of the other person(s)—dress, facial expression, tone of voice, attitude? What is the mood of the room? Help the reader experience the setting as you experienced it.
- Description of What Happened
Report the conversation as accurately as possible.
John: How are things going, Mary?
Mary: I've been feeling pretty low lately (looking at the floor).
- Reflection
- Evaluation
Set forth what your study of the conversation has revealed about the experience reported and the other persons involved.
- Self-Reflection
What are the strengths and weaknesses of your responses? How well did you hear what the other person was trying to say? What were the critical points in the transaction? To what extent were the expectations met? What would you do differently and why?
- Theological Reflection
What theological principles, concepts, or ideas help you better to understand the reported experience? What theological reflection comes to mind as you look at the process in this experience? How is God working here? How is God working through you in this experience? What would you like to say to God about this incident? In what ways was this experience "ministry" for you?
The next two examples of Ministry Experience Reports illustrate how our lives—if we pay close attention—present ministry opportunities to us.
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