“Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” – Jeremiah 29:7
Why Conduct a Community Needs Assessment?
As Seventh-day Adventists, we are called to be more than just worshippers—we are called servants who actively seek the welfare of our communities. Before effectively ministering to our neighbours, we must first understand their needs, challenges, and hopes.
Ellen White reminds us: “We are to study the field carefully and not assume that we must follow the same methods everywhere. Whatever may have been your former practice, it is not necessary to repeat it again and again in the same way. God would have new and untried methods followed. Break in upon the people—surprise them.” (Evangelism, p. 125)
A community needs assessment is simply listening intentionally—creating space for neighbours to share their stories, struggles, and dreams. It’s the foundation of authentic friendship, evangelism, and community engagement.
The Heart Behind the Process
“The work of winning souls to Jesus demands careful preparation. A person cannot enter the Lord’s service without the needed training and expect the highest success.” (Evangelism, p. 123)
Just as an architect carefully studies the land before building, we must understand our community before building meaningful relationships and effective ministries. Ellen White also counselled: “We must do something out of the ordinary course of things. We must arrest the attention. We must be deadly in earnest… We must study, plan, and devise methods to reach the people where they are.” (Evangelism, p. 123)
Our Calling
This assessment isn’t about gathering data—it’s about embodying Jesus’ love by genuinely caring about the welfare of those around us. When we listen to our community’s needs, we position ourselves to be Jesus’ hands and feet in practical, meaningful ways.
Let’s approach this work prayerfully, systematically, and with hearts ready to serve wherever God leads us.
Ready to begin? The simple 6-week framework that follows will guide your church through this critical ministry preparation.
Phase 1: Define Your Scope (Week 1)
- Set clear goals: What specific community needs do you want to understand? (housing, food security, mental health, education, etc.)
- Define your target area: Geographic boundaries and population groups
- Identify your church’s capacity: What resources and volunteers do you have available?
Phase 2: Gather Information (Weeks 2-4)
- Community Conversations (Most effective)
- Host informal “coffee” chats at local venues
- Attend existing community meetings
- Set up listening booths at community events
- Ask open-ended questions: “What would make this community better for your family?”
- Simple Survey (5-7 questions max)
- Online via social media or paper copies
- Questions like: “What are your biggest challenges?” “What services are missing?”
- Use multiple choice + one open-ended question
- Prayer/Walking Tours & Observation
- Walk through neighbourhoods with community members
- Document what you see: empty lots, busy areas, gathering spots
- Note existing services and gaps
- Ask your pastor for the Prayer Walk document
Phase 3: Engage Key Stakeholders (Week 3-4)
- Community leaders: mayors, school principals, social workers
- Local organizations: nonprofits, other churches, community centres
- Residents: especially those representing different demographics
Phase 4: Analyze & Prioritize (Week 5)
- Look for patterns: What needs came up most frequently?
- Consider your church’s strengths: What can you realistically address?
- Quick wins vs. long-term projects: Balance immediate help with sustainable programs
Phase 5: Share Results & Plan Action (Week 6)
- Community feedback session: Share what you learned
- Collaborative planning: Invite community input on solutions
- Start small: Pick 1-2 needs to address initially
Tools You Can Use:
- Google Forms for simple surveys
- Facebook polls for quick community input
- Printed surveys for door-to-door or event distribution
- Focus group guides (many free templates available online)
- Mission Possible Brainstorming Template (ask your pastor for this template)
Key Success Tips:
- Listen more than you talk – let the community guide the conversation
- Be culturally sensitive – especially important given your work in diverse communities like Nunavut
- Partner with existing organizations – don’t duplicate services
- Keep it simple – 6 weeks total, minimal budget required
By Pastor Charles Ed II Aguilar, President