Have You Ever Felt Boxed In by a Personality Test?

It seems everyone loves a good assessment—churches included. From spiritual gifts tests to leadership styles, churches often use these tools to help people discover how they are wired and where they best fit.

Used wisely, they can be a great asset. But too often, they unintentionally create a fixed mindset culture—one where people believe they are a specific type of person, suited for a particular type of ministry, with little room for change or growth.

When that happens, we miss out on developing disciples and leaders who can grow beyond their current strengths.

Are You Creating a Fixed Mindset Culture?

A fixed mindset culture in a church happens when people believe:

• They are a teacher, servant, or evangelist—instead of becoming one.
• They belong in one role and shouldn’t attempt another.
• Struggling in a role means they weren’t “called” to it.
• Growth is limited because “this is just how I am.”

This mindset discourages people from taking on new responsibilities, stepping into leadership, or receiving feedback because they believe their identity is tied to their ministry role.

Even worse, church staff and volunteers may fear failure because it threatens their perceived role. Instead of learning from challenges, they avoid them.

But discipleship is all about growth—not staying stagnant.

What a Growth Mindset Church Looks Like

The alternative is a growth mindset culture, where people believe:

✅ They can grow into their calling.
✅ Every role is a place to develop, not just serve.
✅ Struggles and challenges are signs of growth, not failure.
✅ Leadership and ministry skills can be developed, not just discovered.

In a growth mindset church, assessments and personality tests are starting points—not final labels. The focus shifts from what someone is today to who they are becoming in Christ.

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5 Ways to Create a Growth Mindset Culture in Your Church

1. Stop Using Assessments to Box People In

Instead of saying, “You are a shepherd, so you should only work in pastoral care,” reframe it:

➡️ “You have strong shepherding gifts, but let’s develop your leadership so you can shepherd others into new roles.”

Assessments should identify strengths, not limit future growth.

2. Encourage Role Exploration

What if your worship team leader spent time in discipleship ministry? What if your kids’ ministry volunteers learned to share the gospel with adults?

Ministry leaders should grow, not just serve in one lane forever. Encourage cross-training so leaders develop new skills and broaden their impact.

3. Normalize Feedback and Growth

Too often, feedback is seen as criticism—especially in churches. Instead, make it a tool for discipleship:

✔ Regular coaching sessions
✔ Constructive feedback culture
✔ Celebrating growth and learning from failure

Helping someone improve isn’t questioning their calling—it’s equipping them for greater impact.

4. Teach That Strengths Can Change

The gifts someone has today may not be the same in five years.

Instead of saying:
🚫 “You’re a behind-the-scenes person, so public speaking isn’t for you.”

Try this:
✅ “You may be stronger behind the scenes now, but let’s develop your confidence in public communication.”

Growth mindset leaders challenge and stretch their teams.

5. Lead with a Growth Mindset

If church leadership models a fixed mindset, the whole culture will follow.

Ask yourself:
✔ Are we developing leaders or just managing volunteers?
✔ Do we give people opportunities to grow beyond their current strengths?
✔ Is failure seen as a learning tool or a reason to disqualify someone?

A growth mindset starts with leadership. If you want a church that develops people, it begins with how you lead.

Final Thoughts: Shift from Labels to Leadership

Personality tests and assessments have their place. But if we’re not careful, they can create a fixed mindset culture that limits growth.

Churches should be places where people become—not just be.

Jesus didn’t just call people to a ministry role—He called them to grow.

So let’s build churches that do the same.

📢 Call to Action

🔹 Where have you seen fixed mindset thinking in your church?
🔹 How can you encourage growth in your leaders and volunteers?

Let’s start the conversation! Drop a comment or share this post with a ministry leader who needs to hear this.

📖 Quotes for Inspiration

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” – Luke 6:40

“Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.” – James Cash Penney

📚 Resources for Further Learning

✅ Book: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck

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Leading WITH You,
Dr. Gavin Adams