Research as a Management Tool

Accurate research is essential for a good understanding of the current status of the church and the country, the identification of the leaders and their needs, the identification (or, at least, sense) of what God is doing (or desires to do), the current status of the team, etc.

1. The role of research in the planning process is to bring (or increase) understanding. The more we understand the context in which ministry will take place, the more likely that our ministry will be appropriate and effective. Lack of understanding, misunderstanding, or too little knowledge concerning the country, the culture, or the church will greatly limit the value and accuracy of the planning process in which the team is engaged.

2. The fewer assumptions the team has made and the greater the foundation of accurate and up-to-date information, the greater the likelihood of fulfilling your vision and reaching your goals. Using a 15-year old city map will probably not enable you to arrive at your destination as easily as one based on information gathered within the last six months.

3. There are various types of and sources for research available to every team, each contributing greatly to the team’s overall understanding of the country and national church.

    a. Initial (basic) research is the foundation for the ministry of all OC teams. This is primarily quantitative, objective contextual research which provides the information needed to understand the country and the church. It should be done as early as possible following the initiation of ministry. This will serve as the basis for evaluation and comparison in future years.

    b. Ongoing research is also essential, both formal and informal. All new or substantially changed information should be noted. In addition, qualitative research, often more subjective, should be carried on, using any and all sources for adding insights to the context. In longer established teams, research contributes to the refining of ministry objectives. It will be determined that some ministries are no longer needed or ineffective; these should be stopped. Research may bring to light new needs and opportunities, suggesting new ministries to add. Also research can lend insight in to how existing ministries, that are effective, can be improved.

    c. Specific research is engaged in to support specific ministries or to provide data for specific problems/issues/questions. For example, to support a specific element of the Team Strategy Statement or a specific ministry objective (e.g., regarding prayer or church planting), a research project can be designed to provide definitive information.

    d. Both formal and informal research are critical. In the former, the team develops a research tool, field tests it, trains research assistants, gathers data, compiles and analyzes the data, and, quite often, creates an official (publishable) report summarizing what was learned and encouraging various responses which could be made on the basis of the information. In the latter, new information is gathered from a variety of sources, printed and human, experiential and intuited. While there may never be a formal report based on this informal research, a team is wise to review and discuss it whenever important ministry decisions are being considered.

    e. Another type of informal research occurs whenever a team member engages in (life and) ministry. Consciously and unconsciously, the individual is learning new things, evaluating known things, and, sometimes, gaining contrary information which challenges previously-determined views. Periodic opportunities should be provided to discuss and record this information. Such information should also be gathered, whenever possible, from nationals with whom the team is working (or desires to work).

4. Research, in its objective form, is often considered to be a management tool, which is accurate. Yet, it is critical that the Field Director or team leader realize that research is also a leadership tool.

    a. This leadership aspect is discovered when one considers the various ways it can be used to bring vision, to motivate, to excite, to remind and to re-create the sense of need and calling which God has placed on the team.

    b. Research can paint a prophetic picture of what the church of Jesus Christ in your nation could become. Use it wisely.

    c. Reminding your teammates of the results of the research completed to date could be communicated in an offhanded manner---“Oh, by the way, don’t forget that only 15% of this nation’s people are within proximity of a local church.” Or, the wise leader could use the same information in an appropriately passionate manner to create a challenging call to re-dedication of team energy, heart and resources.

    d. Consider this working definition: a leader is a person who knows where he is going and is able to convince others to go with him. Research can provide needed data to choose the best direction and the motivation to head that way.

5. In the next phase of the planning process, consider adding appropriate research objectives for the future, which will enable the team to provide better answers to the questions it has.

Source: Guide to Objective Process