Biblical Basis for Research

Periodic evaluation of ministry is necessary to ongoing development and innovation. It is a sign of godly wisdom to consider or evaluate one’s way. Evaluation is a part of OC culture. Research tools and techniques can be used to aid evaluation the evaluation process. Specific examples of how Surveys, Focus Groups, Interviews, Participant Observation, Time Management Evaluations and Formal Research Projects can be used to evaluate ministry.

Outline

Rev. Dr. S. D. Ponraj shares his observations about a researcher's personal commitment to Missions Research, based on the life and work of Nehemiah.

1. Dependence on to God as evidenced in Prayer. (Neh 1:4-11; 2:4; 4:9 etc.)

2. Commitment to his calling (2:10) his calling for a specific mission. We must be certain of and committed to our calling. What pushes me to the field? Why am I doing what I'm doing?

This article looks at the biblical basis for planning and points out the contribution of research to the planning process. A general overview of planning is presented, drawing from both the Old and New Testament, concluding with a case study from Number 13.

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Proverbs 22:3 "The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty."

It is prudent to think about security issues before a problem arises. Here are a number of items field researchers should consider.

• Love for God and his works (Matthew 22:34-40; Psalm 111:2)
• Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5)
• Christian Character (2 Peter 1:3-11; 1 Timothy 3)
• Respect for the whole body of Christ (Romans 15:20)
• Good relations with Church leadership
• Compassion for the Lost (Matthew 9:35-38)

"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

“Great are the works of the Lord; They are studied (sought out) by all who delight in them.” Psalm 111:2 NASB

Psalm 111 introduces us to an important motivation for a ministry researcher:

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.

1 Chronicles 21:1-3 – Gathering data for prideful, sinful purposes.
Watch out for people who seek their own glory!

Numbers 13:24 – 14:5 – Misinterpreting or misusing the data.
Do not forget faith; without it, it is impossible to please God!

Joshua 7:1-5 – Over-reliance on data; failure to pray and consult the Lord.
Information is not a substitute for holiness, integrity and prayer!