by
Shelton Tufts
Lynchburg, Virginia
July, 2021
Assessment Assignment
An Assignment Submitted to
the Faculty of the School of Divinity
in Candidacy for the Degree of
Doctor of Ministry
Department of Biblical Studies
Liberty University John W. Rawlings School of Divinity
1.What did you learn about the chosen Micro-Project overall?
I learned so much about the illustrative message micro-project. First, I learned just how
difficult it is to find the right illustration to convey your points. Having a passion for solving a
ministry problem is not enough. I learned that there must be a sense of organization. As the
process moved forward, I saw that it would take time for me to paint the picture in my head into
a message intended to inspire people to take action. This project also showed me how important
creativity is in a message. Giving people an illustration helps them connect to the main point of
the sermon in a practical way.
2.Looking back, how, if at all, did the Micro-Project help to solve your stated
problem?
The ministry problem that I am seeking to solve is the lack of church engagement in society
and how this is one of the drivers of the moral decay we see in society. There is a biblical
mandate in the New Testament for the church to engage the world for Christ. The goal of this
micro-project was for me to get the word out. To share with others what is on my heart and have
them take ahold of the message. I think that this project help toward solving my ministry
problem because if we want to turn the tide of this moral decay in our society, it will take the
church as a whole to be actively involved. The message allowed me to make people aware of the
issues and provide a call to action to some soldiers that had been perhaps inactive in this area.
The more I get this message out in an innovative way. The more people will get ahold of it and
take action. That is how this project helped me move towards the solution to my ministry
problem.
3.What effect might the Micro-Project have on your ministry moving forward?
This micro-project had a profound effect on me. Studying the effectiveness of illustrative
messages and seeing the examples of them caused me to want to look more into using this type
of teaching to teach profound principles. I saw that I need to use this type of messaging more
often when you see changes in the lives of both parents and their children. To hear the stories
from the congregation of the changes they are making based upon this message. The motivation
that I have to get the church engaged with the world to change it for Christ has grown even
stronger with this assignment. I look forward to the next phase of this project.
4.What did you not learn by completing this Micro-Project that you hoped to learn?
This project taught me so much. The one thing I hoped to learn is how impactful this type of
teaching will be in getting the church as a whole engaged. Reaching out to my congregation is
not enough. For us to turn this thing around, this is a message that more people need to hear. So,
this process may involve me sharing the message with other congregations I visit. A movie once
stated, “if you build it, they will come.” I hope that this micro-project will have a ripple effect on
other believers. I understand that this will be something that I may not see during the time of this
class; however, I do hope that in time I will be able to see if this message was able to mobilize
people.
5.What changes would you make to your project or to your ministry as a result of this
Micro-Project?
The changes that I would make to the project would be finding a way to broadcast it on a
larger scale. Again, the more Christians who are able to hear it, the more likely they will take
action to affect change in the world for Jesus Christ. However, I understand this movement has to
begin with myself and my congregation, and I have seen some results on that front. The changes
I will make in my ministry are to do more of the illustrative messages. This method generates so
much recall opportunity it is amazing. People may not remember everything you say or how
eloquent you said it, but they will remember a visual that you presented. I refer to again how
preachers have used visuals to bring their point to life. I’ve seen examples using motorcycles,
beds, boats, and even something as simple as a small seed. These things create a connection to
the main points of the sermon.
6.On a scale of 0–100, with 100 being the most beneficial and 0 being the least, what score
would you give yourself as it relates to learning about, creating, and implementing your
Micro-Project? Explain why.
My score for myself, with all things considered with the project, would be between 75-
80. I believe that I put my best into this micro-project, but I have learned that there is always
room for improvement. I chose this score because I feel that there are many things that I still
need to be effective in the solution to the ministry problem. It is important for me to be aware
that things did not go as planned, although hard work was involved. I think the flow could have
been better. I made what I thought was an error that could have derailed the message. I tend to
grade myself harder than others because I have a picture in my mind of how I want it to go. What
is a blessing to me is when I hear the fruit that others are bearing in their lives due to the
message. Overall, this was a truly great experience, and I hope that this micro-project is able to
springboard me into the next one so I can have a more impactful outcome.
