1

CHRISTIAN CHARACTER SURVEY

Adapted from TIU/TEDs - Not for Circulation

Assessing oneself using the Christian Character Survey can be a bit daunting. It is so because the Bible addresses a wide
variety of character issues which will be developed over a lifetime and many facets will remain under-developed when we
die. Despite being daunting this kind of assessment is crucial. God values character over charisma, competence, and even
over costly sacrifice by the Christian leader, therefore, it should be central in your life as a CBS seminary student and as a
servant of the Lord.

• Unlike many surveys which are focused on a singular passage of Scripture (such as the Ten Commandments,
the Fruit of the Spirit or the Elder qualifications in the pastorals), this instrument drew from many character
oriented and ethical passages of Scripture.
• It assesses key relationships (with God, the community of faith, family and with the unbelieving world).
• Each question tries to get at a facet of a character quality. They attempt to make more concrete what that
character quality might look like lived out in your experience. There is no attempt to hide what facet of
character we are assessing and we would simply ask you to be as honest with yourself as possible. Our
expectation is that you will grow in character, not that you are perfect when you arrive at or finish CBS.
• Be sure to answer honestly, circling the score that best represents your development for each question. A few
family-oriented questions might not apply to all students, if that is your case, leave those questions blank.
• You highest scores will represent your more developed character areas and the lowest scores represent areas
needing development
• Take this character Survey when you first begin your studies at CBS, then take it again upon graduation ; and
also keep a copy for your own record and review.
• Submit a copy to your professor, if requested. This survey will be kept confidential, but will serve both for
self-soul care and for mentoring and advising.
• IMPORTANT: Because this survey is adapted from Trinity International University, do not circulate or post
this document in its current form. However, its content would be helpful as you teach and disciple others.
But give credit to the source.
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Hope and Joy

Sometimes

Mostly
I live a life buoyed by godly faith

Rarely

Very
True

True

True

True
1. I patiently trust God to fulfill His promises and provide
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
what I need.
2. I live and evaluate my life in light of Christ’s return. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
3. I cast my anxieties on God through prayer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
4. My confidence in life comes from the Lord’s presence. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Key scriptures. Prov. 3:5, 6; Rom. 14:17; 2 Cor. 7:4; Gal. 5:22; Phil. 2:2, 4:5-7; Eph. 1:18;
Col. 1:27, 3:15-17; 1 Thess. 2:19; Heb. 11:1-6; James 1:2.

Righteous and Just

Sometimes

Mostly
I strive to be holy, righteous,

Rarely

Very
True

True

True

True
and just in my daily living
1. My sense of acceptability is grounded on my
justification and adoption into God’s family rather than 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
on my performance.
2. I pursue justice for all people especially for the poor and
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
the oppressed.
3. I strive to have righteousness and holiness expressed in
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
my daily living.
4. I am approachable and respond well to correction and
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
discipline from God and others.
Key scriptures. Gen. 15:6; Ex. 23:6; Ps. 37:5, 6; 72:1-3; 103:6; Prov. 29:7; Matt. 5:6; 6:33; 12:18-21; Rom. 12:1; 14:17;
1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 4:24; 2 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 12:9-11; James 3:18; 1 Pet. 1:15, 16.

Integrity and Honesty

Sometimes

Mostly

I see to live life with an alignment of

Rarely

Very
True

True

True

True

profession and actions

1. I keep my word even if it is costly to do so. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
2. My actions match my professed values. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
3. My beliefs and values penetrate all aspects of my life. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
4. I am sincere and truthful with others. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Key scriptures. Ps. 25:21; 26:11; 78:72; Prov. 10:9; 1 Tim. 3:2, 8; Rom. 12:9; Matt. 5:8; James 3:17; 2 Pet. 1:5, 2 Tim. 1:5; 1 Tim. 3:8.
 3

Loving and Compassionate

Sometimes

Mostly
I willingly sacrifice for God’s highest good

Rarely

Very
True

True

True

True
to be actualized in the lives of others.
1. I am gracious, not vindictive (either overtly or subtly)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
towards enemies.
2. I am patient and forbearing with the frailties and
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
shortcomings of others.
3. I am quicker to express gratitude than criticism. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
4. Race, gender, ethnicity, social class or educational
background does not constrict my care and concern of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
others.
5. I am a welcoming and sheltering presence to strangers
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
and newcomers.
6. I am moved to action by the suffering of others. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
7. I am known to be a good listener. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Key scriptures: Matt. 22:39, 40; 5:44; 1 Cor. 13:1-13; Gal. 5:22; 2 Pet. 1:7; Jn. 13:33-35; 1 Jn. 4:7-14;
Eph. 5:1-3; Lk. 10:30-37; James 1:19; 1 Tim. 3:2; Tit. 1:8; 2 Cor. 6:6.

Disciplined and Self-Controlled

Sometimes

Mostly
I have the ability to subordinate impulses
Rarely

Very
True

True

True

True
to the greater good and godliness.
1. I practice spiritual disciplines / practices to promote
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
spiritual growth.
2. I am able to subordinate short-term pleasures for long-
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
term godliness.
3. I manage my time well. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
4. I control my speech and tongue. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
5. I am not addicted to substances or activities that detract
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
from my spiritual life.
6. I am not quick-tempered, explosive, abusive, or violent. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Key scriptures: 1 Tim. 3:2, 3, 8; 4:7; Gal 5:23; 1 Cor. 9:24-27; Prov. 24:28; Ps. 90:12;
James 3:2; Num. 12:3; 2 Pet. 1:5, 6; Eph. 5:15, 16; Matt. 5:5.
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Testimony

Sometimes

Mostly
I seek to develop winsome relationships

Rarely

Very
True

True

True

True
with those outside the faith
1. I am actively engaged in the process of evangelizing lost
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
people.
2. My work ethic honors God and is respectable. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
3. Unbelievers respond to the growing Christlike qualities
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
in my life.
4. I am bold, courageous, and eager to share the ways of
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Christ with all whom I meet.
5. I pray regularly for world evangelization. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Key scriptures. Prov. 3:5, 6; Rom. 14:17; 2 Cor. 7:4; Gal. 5:22; Phil. 2:2, 4:5-7; Eph. 1:18;
Col. 1:27, 3:15-17; 1 Thess. 2:19; Heb. 11:1-6; James 1:2.

Generous Stewardship

Sometimes

Mostly
I strive to restore and heal relation
Rarely

Very
True

True

True

True
fractures with others.
1. I consider all that I have to be a stewardship not
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
ownership.
2. I am content with little or with much. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
3. I give motivated by God’s grace. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
4. I do not cheat or lie for material gain. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
5. I enjoy the resources entrusted to me. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
6. I treat the resources of others with respect. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Key scriptures: Ex. 20:13, 17; Ps. 24:1; Matt. 25:14-30; Luke 12:15-20; 2 Cor. 8, 9; Phil. 4:10-13; 1 Tim. 3:8, 6:17-19; 1 Pet. 5:2

Forgiving and Reconciling

Sometimes

Mostly

I strive to restore and heal

Rarely

Very
True

True

True

True

relational fractures with others

1. I am rarely judgmental or critical of others. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
2. I am able to experience and deal with anger in my life in
ways that lead to growth in myself and others. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
(Not shaming, blaming)
3. Those close to me would say that I am not easily
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
offended or hurt.
4. I resolve conflict in a clear, direct and respectful way.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
(Not avoiding, attacking, blaming, etc.)
5. I actively assist offended people to pursue forgiveness
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
and reconciliation to God and to each other.
Key scriptures: Matt. 5:7, 21-26, 39-42; 7:1-5; 18:15-18; Tom. 12:13; 1 Cor. 13:5; Eph. 4:2, 25-32; Col. 3:13.
 5

Community

Sometimes

Mostly
I commit myself to others in Christian

Rarely

Very
True

True

True

True
fellowship that is nurturing and accountable.
1. I seek out relationships that hold me accountable for my
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
spiritual growth.
2. I enjoy doing ministry through teamwork with others. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
3. Those who know me do not consider me to be a “loner”. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
4. I am an active participant in a local church. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
5. People close to me would say I suffer with those who
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
suffer and rejoice with those who rejoice.
Key scriptures: Ps 133, Prov. 17:17; 18:24; Eccl. 4:10-12; Acts 2:42-47; 6:1-6; Rom. 12:9-21; 14:13; 15:7; 1 Cor 1:10;
Gal. 5:13; Eph. 4:2, 11-16, 32; Col. 3:16; Tit 2:1-8; Heb. 10:23-25; James 5:16; 1 Pet. 1:22; 3:8; 4:10.

Wisdom

Sometimes

Mostly
I seek to understand and
Rarely

Very
True

True

True

True
live life from God’s perspective.
1. I daily spend time in the Bible for instructions, nurture,
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
correction and direction.
2. I experience God’s probing of my inner life and motives
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
through His Word.
3. I seek God’s truth even if it means leaving behind
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
previously held ideas.
4. I openly share God’s Word with others (informally or
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
formally).
5. I am honest in acknowledging the contributions of
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
others to my thinking, speaking, writing and growth.
6. My pursuit of knowledge and wisdom is motivated by an
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
obedient fear of the Lord.
Key scriptures: Ps 19; Ps. 119; Ps. 51:6; Prov. 1:7, 20-29; Jn. 1:14-17; 4:23, 24; 8:31, 32, 14:6; 17:17;
Col. 2:2, 3; 3:16; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Heb. 4:12; James 1:5, 21-25; 2 Pet. 1:5, 6.
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Devout and Godly

Sometimes

Mostly
Honoring God is the

Rarely

Very
True

True

True

True
highest priority in my life.
1. I make it a high priority to participate in private and
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
corporate worship.
2. I see all aspects of my life as sacred, with each offering
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
ways to honor God.
3. I resist any person, activity, idea or thing from becoming
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
more important to me than God.
4. I am willing to withstand disproval, rejection and
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
persecution for being Godly and holy.
5. I am a pleaser of God and not a people-pleaser. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
6. I hunger and thirst to be mature in Christ. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
7. I am vigilant to be faithful knowing that Christ will
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
evaluate my life.
8. I pursue and protect sexual purity in thought and action.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
(Rejecting pornography, lust)
Key scriptures: 1 Tim. 3:3, 4:7, 8, 6:3, 6, 7; Ex. 20:1-7; 2 Pet. 1:3; Ps. 27:4, 42:1, 2; Heb. 12:8-10; Col. 3:17;
2 Tim 3:12; 2 Pet. 3:10-14; Matt. 22:37, 24:24-25, 46; 1 Jn. 2:15-17, Ex. 20:14; Matt. 5:28

Family Nurture
Sometimes

Mostly
I prioritize nurturing family relationships
Rarely

Very
True

True

True

True
and Godly management of my household.
1. I honor my parents. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
2. I love and nurture my spouse. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
3. I love and nurture my children in God’s way. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
4. I set boundaries on work, studies and recreation to
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
allow adequate time for family priorities.
5. I do not allow my family life to become idolatrous to the
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
point of precluding ministry.
Key scriptures: Dt. 6:1-9; Ps. 127; 1 Tim. 3:4, 5, 12, 5:3, 4; Tit. 2:4; Eph. 5:21, 6:4.
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Humility and Servanthood

Sometimes

Mostly
I have a sober-minded assessment of

Rarely

Very
True

True

True

True
myself under God and before others.
1. I seek to have an honest assessment of my life, gifting
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
and ministry.
2. I am not offended when my accomplishments go
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
unrecognized by others.
3. I am quick to repent when confronted with my sin or
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
areas that need improvement.
4. I tend to think about the improvement of the whole
organization, family, school, church, etc. rather than my 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
personal advancement.
5. I am able to speak freely about my weaknesses, failures,
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
and mistakes.
6. I am happy with my life situation even when I don’t get
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
my way.
7. I can serve loyally under the leadership and authority of
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
others.
8. I trust that God is working in circumstances and the lives
of others such that I don’t resort to coercion, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
manipulation of power plays.
9. I live life consciously dependent on the Holy Spirit’s
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
enablement.
Key scriptures: Ex. 10:3; Ps. 34:18, 51:17; Prov. 15:33, 29:23; Matt. 5:3, 20:20-28; Rom. 12:3, 16; 1 Cor. 13:4; 2 Cor. 6:4, 12:7-12; Gal.
5:20; Phil. 2:1-11; Heb. 13:17.