Biblical Basis for Information Gathering

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:

Old Testament: 6 references blessed by God—Ex. 30:12, 38:25; Num 1:2, 26:2; 2 Chron. 2:17-18; 2 Kings 12:4. One condemned by God—2 Sam 24, 1 Chron 21. What was the difference?
New Testament: The disciples were counted (Mark 3:14-19; Luke 10-the seventy; the 120 gathered in Acts 1:15; Jesus appeared to 500 in 1 Cor 15:6). The growth of the church clearly documented Acts 2:41, 4:4, 6:7.

B. Spying out the land (Moses, Joshua, Nehemiah)

Moses – Num. 14:6-9
Joshua – Joshua 2:23-24
Nehemiah – Neh. 2:13-18
Paul in Athens – Acts 17:22-23

C. Wisdom and Knowledge in Proverbs (96 references to Wisdom of which 13 also refer to knowledge as well; 35 references to knowledge in Proverbs)

It is wise to value knowledge and foolish to not (Prov. 14:6, 15:7, 10:14, 15:2
It is wise to seek after knowledge (Prov. 15:14, Prov. 18:15)
It is prudent to act on the basis of knowledge (Prov. 8:12, 13:16, 14:18)
It is useless to waste what you have learned on one who will not listen or use it (Prov. 23:9)

D. Jesus and the Harvest
Matthew 9:35-38

Jesus recognized the state of the “Harvest Field” (those who need to hear and receive the Good News) and the “Harvest Force.” (Workers)
Jesus was moved to compassion by what he saw.
Jesus communicated what he “saw” to others.
Jesus motivated others to pray about the problem of the Harvest Field and the Harvest Force.

John 4:27-42

Jesus recognized when the harvest field was ripe for the harvest.
Jesus tells his disciples to open their eyes to the harvest before them and to start harvesting.

E. Acts

The early church counted the number of disciples being made. Note: • Acts 1:15 (120 persons); 2:41-47 (3,000 souls); 4:4 (5,000 men); 5:14; 11:19-26; 12:24 and 19:1-12.
QUANTITY and QUALITY were both important. Note Acts 2:42-47; 4:30-35;
Acts records both the FACTS and the FACTORS of Church Growth.

Church based research tracks the numerical, geographical and cross cultural expansion of the church (Facts/Quantity>; it also can measure the spiritual health (Quality) of the churches and seeks out the FACTORS that affect growth.

F. Paul and Cross Cultural Ministry
Acts 17:22-34

Here is an example of managing knowledge to CONTEXTUALIZE the Gospel MESSAGE
Paul shaped his message for those in Athens based on his understanding of their culture.
Paul was intimately familiar with their customs, religious life, world view and literature.

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Here is an example of managing knowledge to CONTEXTUALIZE one’s MINISTRY.
Paul became all things to all men by understanding cultural differences.

G. Knowledge and understanding are essential to the building of the Church and her victory against the forces of the enemy

Jesus & Paul warn to beware of the schemes of the devil (Matt 10:16 and 2 Cor 2:11)
Spiritual understanding is needed (Rom. 1:19-20), but the Lord also tells us to uncover and use the information available to us
Proverbs emphasizes the need for good information guidance to wage war. (Prov. 24:3-6)