Researching

Research is a tool that helps churches mobilize toward fulfilling the Great Commission. It helps Christians know where churches need to be planted, where the Gospel needs to be shared more extensively, and which methods of evangelism are most successful among people groups.

Research helps Christians:

• Understand the big picture of what God wants to do in their nation or people group.
• Stay focused on the task of fulfilling the Great Commission.
• Visualize geographic areas where new churches need to be planted.
• Be motivated to pray specifically and effectively.
• See where and what God is doing, thus encouraging them in their ministries.

Too often the church labors under false suppositions and erroneous data. Productive information, or research, tells each church what has been completed and what work remains. It allows Christians to pray effectively, plan efficiently, deploy resources where most needed and evaluate their progress. To that end, research can be focused on two areas…

Researching the Harvest Field

The harvest field is the group of people with whom we share the Gospel. The people can be defined by the area where they live or by other criteria such as a common language, traditions and customs, interests, age, etc. Research is important not only in identifying numbers of people in a given area, but it helps Christians understand the worldview and mindset of the people so that the Gospel can be presented most effectively. Research provides important information that reveals both the barriers people have to the Gospel as well as bridges for the ministry of the truth of Christ.

Researching the Harvest Force

The harvest force, meaning those active in proclaiming the Gospel, includes individual churches, denominations and parachurch organizations including educational institutions, training ministries, missionaries and Christian media. A realistic account of the resources, people and conditions available provides the basis to begin working effectively in a certain area. Research helps the harvest force discover what is available and what is still needed. It helps Christians to count the cost and make wise plans.