Types of Research

Research has been a part of Protestant Missionary work since its inception. It will be seen that research has been a significant factor in launching each new wave of Protestant Missions.

Outline:

1. William Carey
2. Hudson Taylor
3. Early 20th Century
4. 1964-Present

William Carey

1. In terms of OC Research, what is the platform we’re standing on right now?

The attached file illustrates the process for planning a direction for ministry.

The role of Research is highlighted in this process. Research helps to:

1. Understand the context
2. Determine needs
3. Establish SMART goals
4. Identify current resources
5. Identify future resources
6. Identify "fruitful" practices
7. Evaluate our "fruit"

Outline
I. Purposes of Church Growth Research
II. Approaches to Church Growth Research
III. Church Growth Research from the Macro to Micro
III. Denominational versus geographical research and strategies
IV.Practical Considerations
V. Resources about Church Growth

I. Purposes of Church Growth Research

Field Survey Research involved going on site to identify the locations of churches. Here you will find information to help research your city, neighborhood or district. You can organize a group in your church, a cell group, a youth group, etc. to do this. Then we will have the data necessary to complete our task of providing an accurate picture of the distribution of the church in the nation, and thus help insure that there will be a church within access of everyone in the nation in this generation.

The following are “ready to go” research guides that you may find useful in doing a mini-research project.

CROSS CULTURAL LIVING

Culture Matters: The Peace Corps Cross-Cultural Workbook
Excellent material about cross cultural living
Download at http://wws.peacecorps.gov/wws/publications/culture/pdf/workbook.pdf

As a field workers enters a new culture, many "research projects" are initiated. A wise person will include several research oriented learning objectives into one's learning plan.

1. Learn about the People you serve

The following are some things you will want to learn about the people you are seeking to reach:

• Language
• Culture
• History
• Religion
• Specifics of church culture

2. “Foreign Living” Learning Projects

It is useful to understand the distinction between quantitative and qualitative Research. Both are useful, though they have different focuses and use different research methods.

Quantitative Research

• “Hard Research”
• Tends to be more objective, “empirical” and number oriented.
• Strives to answer the questions: Who? What? When? Where?
• Focus on the “facts”

Qualitative Research