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?
Everyone within OC is a part of a learning community. “We” become smarter when each person is learning and sharing discoveries with others.Likewise, a core value of OC is “innovation”. So Innovation will occur only if we continue to learn and try new things, keeping what works and fixing what does not work. There are three
“Let me suggest that the New Testament mandate for research is hiding in plain sight in both the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. The Great Commission is a command to make disciples, and how can we make disciples of people we do not understand? Field research is an attempt to deepen our understanding of people in order to improve our communication and multiply our disciple-making.” Breakthrough, page 4.
"Now these are the numbers of the divisions equipped for war, who came to David at Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD.... Of the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do, their chiefs {were} two hundred; and all their kinsmen {were} at their command." I Chronicles 12,23,32
We are faced with a multitude of ministry opportunities and limited resources. How do we decide what course of action to take?
It would be a simple matter if our ears were perfectly attuned to God and He were pleased to furnish us with specific instructions. God occasionally gives specific direction. But generally Christians must make decisions about specific ministry opportunities without a specific word from God. Research, then, is a biblical tool for accomplishing our vision.
More information about this topic is found in Understanding your City by L & S Kraft, found in the Resource Downloads section under "Training".
A. Census of the people:
