Discernment Rubric for Evaluating Ministry Invitations and Associations

As Hometown Hope continues to grow, I am developing clear guidelines to help steward the work God has entrusted to us. From fallen leaders to compromising leaders, there is challenge on every side. Jesus did not link up with everyone, and every group, to get His message “out there.” He literally started his own group! And that group was given guidelines on how to operate! This tool for evaluating potential associations is designed to help ministry leaders make wise, biblically grounded decisions about whom to partner with. It serves to protect our testimony while encouraging healthy, purposeful engagements. I have found this rubric to be so valuable in my own ministry that I wanted to share it with you. I trust it will be just as helpful to you.

Personal Philosophy of Redemption and Restoration

We need to first lay some philosophical groundwork. Although we will be covering many items, I want to start here because we live in a messy world....yes, including (and especially) the ministry world. A man in ministry can quickly isolate himself to the point of non-impact because he either works with anyone and damages his biblical credibility or works with no one because he can't find anyone as "perfect" as he is. Either path is extreme. There must be a better way.

I believe that no one is beyond the reach of God’s redeeming grace. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not only sufficient to save sinners but to restore the fallen, to rebuild the broken, and to reconcile the estranged. Redemption is the work of God through the blood of Christ, and restoration is the fruit of that redemption—produced through repentance, brokenness, and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

As one who desires to walk in truth and love, I will strive to walk with the broken, minister to the fallen, and support redemptive efforts that reflect the character and commands of Scripture. I believe that people can change, by God's grace. I believe that grace must never be withheld from the penitent, nor should past sin be used to permanently isolate/marginalize (and God forbid) destroy those whom God has cleansed and changed. At the same time, restoration—especially to a spiritual leadership in the church—must follow biblical precept and, at a minimum, certainly require demonstrated repentance, and the visible fruit of repentance:

What is the visible fruit of repentance?

1. 1. Confession of sin, - Willing unforced acknowledgment of wrongdoing without excuses - Both to God and to those who have been hurt - Psalm 32:5; Proverbs 28:13; Matthew 5:23-24; Matthew 18:15; James 5:16; I John 1:9

2. Restitution where possible - Making wrongs right when they can be made right - Luke 19:8 (Zacchaeus returning fourfold)

3. Turning away from sinful behavior - A decisive break from the patterns of sin that were present before - Isaiah 55:7; Ezekiel 18:30; Romans 6:12-13 (See number 6 also, below)

4. Obedience to God's Word - Living in alignment with God's commands, not just professing change - Matthew 3:8

5. Humility and teachability - A softened spirit that accepts correction and counsel - Psalm 51:17

6. Consistent new behavior over time - True repentance produces a lasting change in character, not a temporary shift - II Corinthians 7:10-11

7. Seeking reconciliation - Whenever possible, making peace and restoring broken relationships - Romans 12:18

   
   

I feel that II Corinthians 7:10-11 (number 6 above) is God's checklist of evidence for repentance and requires special consideration. This passage is one of the clearest passages dealing with this matter of repentance. This verse shows us that repentance is not just feelings, but measurable, observable fruit.

"For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter."

Godly Sorrow - Godly sorrow is more than just being sorry you got caught. It is more than embarrassment. Godly sorrow is the very root out of which these seven fruits grow. It is an inward grief based on the fact that you stand guilty before a holy God.

• Carefulness - An earnest diligence to make things right and avoid repeating sin. This shows urgency and attention to detail in restoring what was damaged.

• Clearing of Yourselves - A desire to remove any doubt about one's sincerity through transparent actions - This is not self-justification, but demonstrable proof of change.

• Indignation - A righteous anger against the sin committed - The repentant person is grieved, and even disgusted at the wrong.

• Fear - A deep reverence and trembling before God, awareness of the seriousness of sin. This keeps one humble and dependent upon God's grace

• Vehement Desire - A strong longing to restore fellowship with God and others. This is evidence of a heart that wants reconciliation and right standing before God and with others.

• Zeal - A passionate pursuit of righteousness - The person has a passionate pursuit of righteousness with energy and enthusiasm now directed toward God's purposes.

• Revenge - A determined effort to correct the wrong and prevent its return. This person has a readiness to act decisively against sin in their life.

In addition to this, and depending upon the nature of the fall/transgression, it is also wise to have the careful affirmation of biblically wise counselors, with ongoing accountability most of the time. Pastoral leadership positions, and/or restoration to leadership positions, are not a right; it is a responsibility that must be stewarded with sobriety by all involved.

I will not participate in campaigns of slander or bitterness, nor will I silently affirm patterns of unresolved sin, abuse, or doctrinal compromise. My hope is to be a bridge—not a barrier—for those who are sincerely seeking to walk again in the light.

As a natural corollary to the above philosophy, it follows that my affiliations will be affected by these positions. What follows next is a....

Statement of Affiliation Principles

So many people, when seeking to determine the rightness or wrongness of an affiliation/association want to simply pray and proceed based on the "feeling" they have. If they have a good feeling or "peace" about it, they go for it. If they have a bad feeling or a lack of "peace" they refrain. There is way more to it than that! As a servant of Jesus Christ, I take seriously the matter of ministerial partnership and public affiliation. When I join with others in ministry, whether through speaking engagements, published materials, collaborative efforts, or organizational support, I am not only lending my labor—I am lending my name. For this reason, I have adopted the following guiding principles regarding ministry affiliation.

I reserve the right to affiliate or disaffiliate with any individual, ministry, or group, based on the following considerations.

1. Doctrinal Agreement: I will only affiliate with ministries and individuals who uphold the clear doctrines of Scripture as historically and faithfully understood, including the inspiration/preservation of Scripture, the exclusivity of the virgin-born Christ (including His death, burial, and literal resurrection), the necessity of repentance and faith for salvation, and a biblical gospel free from legalism or license. Doctrinal alignment will also take into consideration matters other than just the "fundamentals," but these will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

   
   

2. Biblical Integrity: I seek to work with those whose lives reflect a pattern of holiness, humility, and transparency. Past failures do not permanently disqualify them from my friendship or ministry alliance, but I will not affiliate with those who have not demonstrated ongoing accountability and the credible fruit of repentance.

   
   

3. Clarity in Restoration: I believe in the restoration of fallen Christians and, potentially, even fallen leaders. However, I will only endorse restored leaders when there is evidence of public repentance, submission to biblical correction, and a clear break from prior patterns of sin or abuse. Restoration must be handled with both compassion and caution.

   
   

4. Protection of Testimony: I will not affiliate in a way that creates confusion about my convictions or lends unintended credibility to ministries marked by division, false teaching, abusive practices, or unresolved controversy.

   
   

5. Christlike Love and Charity: I will strive to maintain a spirit of humility and grace in all relationships, even when I cannot join hands in formal partnership. I reject both harsh separatism and blind loyalty. My goal is to reflect the truth and love of Christ in all affiliations.

These principles are not intended to condemn others, but to guard my own ministry, protect my testimony, and serve the people God has entrusted to my care. Any questions regarding affiliation should be approached prayerfully, biblically, and in a spirit of mutual honor.

THE TOOL

This tool can be used to help make wise/informed decisions about ministry affiliation based on facts and not feelings. It is a decision-assisting rubric and it can help you engage healthy alliances, or avoid probelematic one.

This tool is meant to be prayed through—not just checked off.

Ther are two models of this tool:

One is for Private Friendships / Pastoral Care Alliances

The other is for Public Partnership / Visible Endorsement Alliances

⸻

STEP 1: Foundational Questions (Applies to Both Models)

1. Doctrinal Alignment

• Are they biblically sound in the Gospel and core doctrines?

• Any serious deviation from Scripture in teaching, practice, or philosophy?

2. Character and Fruit

• Is there visible fruit of the Spirit in their life?

• Is there humility, teachability, and submission to godly counsel?

3. Restoration Process (if applicable)

• If there is a past moral failure or controversy, has there been clear public repentance?

• Is there ongoing accountability with credible, trusted leaders?

4. Motive Check (yours)

• Am I being drawn into this because of genuine Gospel alignment—or because of opportunity, platform, or fear of man?

• Am I seeking God’s approval or the approval of peers?

⸻

STEP 2: Which Model Is This?

Model A – Private Friendship / Pastoral Care

I will walk with them personally, pray for them, encourage them, and possibly counsel them—but without making a public or platformed alignment.

Indicators This Model Fits:

• You believe in their sincerity, but there’s still public mistrust or unresolved perception issues.

• Their restoration is ongoing but not yet widely affirmed.

• You want to help them without linking your name to their platform.

• The benefit is primarily to them (personal support), not to you (ministry exposure).

Key Questions:

• Can I serve them best outside the spotlight?

• Would going public create more confusion than clarity?

• Am I willing to love them without needing the world to see it?

Safeguards:

• Keep meetings, communications, and counsel anchored in Scripture.

• Don’t allow private friendship to pressure you into public endorsement.

• If asked why you are connected, answer with grace and truth: “I care for them as a brother in Christ, but I’m not partnering in public ministry.”

⸻

Model B – Public Partnership / Visible Endorsement

I am willing to share a platform, co-labor, publicly commend, or visibly align in ministry with this person.

Indicators This Model Fits:

• You have doctrinal and philosophical unity.

• You are fully persuaded of their restoration, fruit, and credibility.

• You believe public partnership will strengthen the Gospel witness, not weaken it.

• You are willing to bear the weight of criticism for standing with them.

Key Questions:

• Will this glorify Christ more than it distracts from Him?

• Am I prepared for the inevitable criticism, and can I respond biblically?

• Would I be comfortable if this alignment were the headline of my ministry bio?

• Have I sought wise counsel from trusted, godly leaders before proceeding?

Safeguards:

• Make your convictions public in advance so others understand your decision.

• Maintain the right to step back if new concerns arise.

• Keep the partnership focused on mission, not personality.

⸻

STEP 3: Outcome Decision

• Green Light → Move forward with prayer and clarity.

• Yellow Light → Slow down. Ask more questions. Possibly start with Model A before moving to Model B.

• Red Light → Do not proceed. Maintain grace privately, but decline publicly.

Why This Rubric Approach Helps

• Prevents decisions based on impulse or pressure.

• Keeps grace and truth in balance.

• Protects your testimony while allowing space for love, forgiveness, and redemption.

Discernment Decision Grid

I will present this material in three different ways - First as a table, then as a plain layout, and finally broken down into the individual rubrics for public versus private affiliation.

• Table

Category	Guiding Question	Score 0–5	Notes / Evidence
Doctrinal Alignment	Do we share a clear, biblical statement of faith, with no contradictions on core doctrines?
Biblical Philosophy of Ministry	Do we agree on the means of ministry (Spirit-led, Word-centered vs. pragmatism, marketing-driven)?
Character & Testimony	Does this person have a credible, observable testimony today, free from ongoing scandal?
Restoration Process	If there has been past failure, was there genuine repentance, accountability, and restoration recognized by a trustworthy body?
Gospel Impact	Will this affiliation clearly advance the cause of Christ and the Gospel?
Reputation Stewardship - Public Testimony	Is this invitation Model A (quiet support) or Model B (public platform partnership)?
Relational Trust & Mutual Support	Will this partnership unnecessarily hinder ministry to others God has called me to serve?
Personal Calling/Spiritual Peace	Am I persuaded by prayer and the Spirit’s witness that God is calling me to this association?

Ministry Association Discernment Grid (0–5 Scale)

Scoring Key (0–5 per category):

0 = Complete misalignment or disqualification

1 = Serious concern, rare exceptions possible

2 = Significant caution, major discussions needed

3 = Some caution, but workable with boundaries

4 = Strong alignment with minor reservations

5 = Full confidence and alignment

• Plain Layout

  
  

1. Doctrinal Alignment

Score (0–5): ________   Notes: ________________________________

2. Biblical Philosophy of Ministry Alignment

Score (0–5): ________   Notes: ________________________________

3. Character and Testimony - Evidence of Ongoing Repentance / Integrity

Score (0–5): ________   Notes: ________________________________

4. Restoration Process - Clarity About Past Allegations & Resolution

Score (0–5): ________   Notes: ________________________________

5. Gospel Impact - Potential Kingdom Impact

Score (0–5): ________   Notes: ________________________________

6. Reputation Stewardship - Public Testimony - Reputational Risk

Score (0–5): ________   Notes: ________________________________

7. Relation Trust & Mutual Support

Score (0–5): ________   Notes: ________________________________

8. Personal Calling/Spiritual Peace - Spirit-Led Confirmation

Score (0–5): ________   Notes: ________________________________

Total Score: ________ / 40

Interpretation: Higher scores indicate greater confidence in pursuing association. Scores below 25 suggest significant caution.

Ministry Partnership Discernment Rubrics

Scoring Key: 

0 = disqualifying;

1 = serious concern;

2 = caution;

3 = minor caution;

4 = strong alignment;

5 = full confidence.

• Individual Rubrics

Public Ministry Partnership Rubric (Model B)

(Evaluating potential ministry partnerships in public contexts — shared platforms, events, endorsements, etc.)

1. Doctrinal Alignment

Guiding Question: To what extent do the ministry’s core doctrinal beliefs align with ours?

Score (0–5): _____

Notes: _____________________________________________

2. Biblical Philosophy of Ministry

Guiding Question: Is their approach to public ministry (methods, priorities, vision) consistent with our biblical philosophy of ministry?

Score (0–5): _____

Notes: _____________________________________________

3. Character & Testimony

Guiding Question: Does the leader’s character reflect Christian integrity and life testimony in a way that honors the Gospel?

Score (0–5): _____

Notes: _____________________________________________

4. Restoration Process

Guiding Question: If applicable, has the individual demonstrated genuine repentance and a biblical restoration process after any past failures?

Score (0–5): _____ (or N/A)

Notes: _____________________________________________

5. Gospel Impact Potential

Guiding Question: Does partnering with this ministry have significant potential to advance the Gospel (beyond what we could achieve alone)?

Score (0–5): _____

Notes: _____________________________________________

6. Reputation Stewardship / Public Testimony

Guiding Question: Are they careful to steward their public reputation and testimony (avoiding scandal, upholding excellence in public witness)?

Score (0–5): _____

Notes: _____________________________________________

7. Relational Trust & Mutual Support

Guiding Question: Is there a basis of trust and mutual support (honest communication, respect, shared commitment) in this partnership?

Score (0–5): _____

Notes: _____________________________________________

8. Personal Calling / Spiritual Peace

Guiding Question: Do all parties sense a clear calling and spiritual peace about this partnership?

Score (0–5): _____

Notes: _____________________________________________

Total Score: _____ / 40

• Green zone (32–40): Ready to partner (strong alignment).

• Yellow zone (16–31): Caution advised (major discussions or conditions needed).

• Red zone (0–15): Not recommended (significant misalignment).

Note: Restoration Process may be skipped or marked N/A if not applicable (e.g., no known issues requiring restoration).

Private Ministry Relationship Rubric (Model A)

(Evaluating personal or small-group ministry relationships — mentoring, discipleship, friendship, spiritual support, etc.)

1. Doctrinal Alignment

Guiding Question: To what extent do the individual’s core doctrinal beliefs align with ours?

Score (0–5): _____

Notes: _____________________________________________

2. Biblical Philosophy of Ministry

Guiding Question: Is their approach to ministry and discipleship (methods, priorities, vision) consistent with our biblical philosophy of ministry?

Score (0–5): _____

Notes: _____________________________________________

3. Character & Testimony

Guiding Question: Does their personal character reflect Christian integrity and consistency with their testimony?

Score (0–5): _____

Notes: _____________________________________________

4. Restoration Process

Guiding Question: If applicable, has the individual undergone genuine repentance and a biblical restoration process after any known failures?

Score (0–5): _____ (or N/A)

Notes: _____________________________________________

5. Gospel Impact Potential

Guiding Question: Does investing in this relationship have significant potential to advance the Gospel (through personal discipleship, mentoring, etc.)?

Score (0–5): _____

Notes: _____________________________________________

6. Reputation Stewardship / Personal Witness

Guiding Question: Do they manage their personal reputation and testimony responsibly even outside public view (showing integrity in private and smaller circles)?

Score (0–5): _____

Notes: _____________________________________________

7. Relational Trust & Mutual Support

Guiding Question: Is there a strong basis of trust and mutual support (honest communication, confidentiality, encouragement) in this relationship?

Score (0–5): _____

Notes: _____________________________________________

8. Personal Calling / Spiritual Peace

Guiding Question: Do both parties sense a clear calling and spiritual peace about this relationship?

Score (0–5): _____

Notes: _____________________________________________

Total Score: _____ / 40

• Green zone (32–40): Ready to engage (strong alignment).

• Yellow zone (16–31): Caution advised (major discussions or boundaries needed).

• Red zone (0–15): Not recommended (significant misalignment).

Note: Restoration Process may be skipped or marked N/A if not applicable (e.g., no known issues requiring restoration).

Do You Think This Rubric Will Be Helpful To You?

• Yes
• No