Immerse

Sample Assessments

For Messiah 

Our approach to assessment values both truth and transformation. We seek to cultivate a deep knowledge of Scripture while also fostering communal engagement, reflection, and spiritual growth. Immerse-style assessments are designed to move beyond mere recall of facts, inviting students to thoughtfully engage with the biblical text, wrestle with its meaning, and reflect on its implications in their lives and community.

Rather than focusing solely on right answers, assessments emphasize observation, interpretation, and discussion. Students are encouraged to listen well, ask good questions, and articulate their understanding in ways that deepen both personal faith and shared learning. By integrating reading, journaling, and collaborative conversations, we aim to create an environment where students are not just tested on what they know but are also shaped by the living and active Word of God.

Journaling

Assess journaling by prioritizing engagement, depth of reflection, and thoughtful interaction with Scripture rather than technical perfection. Focus on encouraging observation, insight, and application, offering feedback that affirms meaningful reflections and gently challenges students to go deeper. Avoid being picky about structure or minor errors—journaling should cultivate spiritual growth and active reading, not create anxiety about correctness. A rubric is provided, as needed. 

Here is an example with instructions.

Discussions
  1. Clarify the Purpose of Discussion

The goal of discussion in a Bible class is not just to get the “right answer” but to help students think deeply, engage with Scripture, and learn from one another. Assessment should reflect this purpose.

  1. Use a Simple, Flexible Rubric

Assess participation based on broad, positive criteria rather than detailed grading. A simple rubric could include:

  • Engagement: Does the student contribute to the conversation?
  • Thoughtfulness: Are they responding with reasoning or connections to Scripture?
  • Respect: Do they listen well and build on others’ thoughts?

Keep the categories simple (e.g., Exceeds Expectations, Meets Expectations, Needs Growth), and avoid nitpicking specific phrasing.

  1. Encourage Participation Without Pressure

Students should feel safe sharing without fear of being “wrong.” Consider:

  • Using participation checkmarks instead of numeric scores.
  • Offering low-stakes points for thoughtful engagement rather than correctness.
  1. Use a Variety of Participation Options

Not all students are comfortable speaking up, so allow different ways to engage:

  • Written reflections after discussion.
  • Pair or small-group discussions before sharing with the class.
  • Giving students the option to submit a follow-up thought via email or a note.
  1. Provide Formative Feedback

This keeps students involved without feeling scrutinized. Examples: 

  • “I liked how you connected that to Genesis! Can you explain more?”
  • “That’s an interesting thought—what in the text led you to that conclusion?”
  • “I noticed you were quiet today. What did you think about our discussion?”
  1. Track Participation Informally

Keep an informal record of student engagement—maybe just a simple check system per class. Over time, patterns will emerge, allowing you to nudge quieter students toward participating and affirm those who consistently engage.

Sample rubric for evaluating Harkness Discussions participation.

Jesus Then and Now: The Gospel and Our Culture

Objective: After reading one of the four Gospels, students will engage with the “He Gets Us” commercials to analyze how Jesus is presented in Scripture versus how he is portrayed in modern culture. They will then create a response project that bridges biblical understanding with cultural engagement.

  1. Gospel Reading and Reflection: As they read, use a separate piece of paper to take notes on the following prompts: 
  • What are the major themes of this Gospel?
  • How does this Gospel emphasize Jesus’ character and mission?
  • What surprises you about Jesus as presented in this Gospel?
  • How do Jesus’ teachings challenge you to live?
  1. He Gets Us Commercials Analysis: Watch at least three different He Gets Us commercials (from YouTube or their website). Answer the following in a short analysis:
  • What message is each commercial trying to convey about Jesus?
  • How does it align with or differ from what you read in the Gospel?
  • What aspects of Jesus’ life or ministry does it emphasize or leave out?
  1. Creative Response: Choose one of the following ways to express your understanding of Jesus in the Gospel and how He is presented in today’s culture:
  • Short Film or Commercial
    • Create a modern 1-3 minute video that presents Jesus in a way true to the Gospel while engaging with contemporary culture.
    • You may respond to or critique a He Gets Us ad in your own video.
  • Written Article or Blog Post
    • Write a 750-1,000 word article analyzing Jesus in your Gospel compared to He Gets Us commercials.
    • Discuss whether your chosen commercial captures the fullness of who Jesus is and how it might better communicate his message.
  • Art & Explanation
    • Create a piece of visual art (painting, drawing, digital graphic, collage, etc.) representing Jesus as portrayed in the Gospel you read.
    • Include a 500-word written explanation of how your piece reflects biblical truth and how it responds to the cultural portrayal of Jesus.
  • Interview and Discussion Podcast
    • Record a 5-7 minute podcast episode discussing Jesus in your Gospel and He Gets Us commercials.
    • Include a friend or family member in a discussion about how people today view Jesus versus the biblical account.

A grading rubric is provided, as needed.