School of World Missions Jonathan S. Penland, Ph.D., Associate Prof. Jarvis L. Crosby, Ed.D., Associate Prof. [Pilot Project]
Toccoa Falls College Spring Semester 2006
ICS 493 (02) [01] MISSIONS RESEARCH PROJECT RESEARCH OUTLINE
This second part of your research project will focus on designing a strategy for pre-evangelism, evangelism, and church planting among the people group you have been researching. You may insert two unnumbered pages in your paper showing Part One and Part Two. Part One is the section you have already written and could be titled "An Ethnographic Overview of [People Group]." Part Two could be titled, "A Strategy for Reaching the [People Group]." Part Two of your paper is an integral part of the whole. As you write chapters four through six, refer back to the first three chapters. These first chapters of your paper are now among your resources for information as you develop a strategy for preevangelism, evangelism, and church planting. When you refer to something previously written, provide a summary statement to maintain ease in reading your work. CHAPTER IV: DEFINING THE MISSION [7-10 pages] [Pilot: Section One, Part I] As an introduction to this chapter, a thesis statement for the chapter should be introduced, i.e., "In Part One of this paper, the author has sought to describe ..." or "The purpose of this chapter is ...". It is also essential that a statement be included giving the definition of evangelism or "to evangelize" that you will use in the formation of your strategy (see D/F, pp. 52-56). 1. Frame of Reference Defined [Pilot: Section One, Part I, #1]
Refer back to your description of the world view of this people group and describe the implications of this to your mission. You could begin this section by writing something similar to, "As cited previously ..." Dayton and Fraser (1990) provide clear guidance concerning What a People Group Knows about the Gospel (pp. 113-120). Describe where the majority of these people would be in relation to the Gospel. Include at least one scale or matrix that helps identify the spiritual receptivity of the people. In reality, no single model is adequate for providing a detailed profile of the spiritual condition of a people group. Use any combination of the Engel Scale (shows cognitive movement), Gray Matrix, Sogaard Scale (shows cognitive and affective dimensions), or a related scale that provides good data analysis as the foundation for a strategy (see Sogaard’s model found on pp. 114117 in D/F). It is essential that the reader know where this people group is in relation to Gospel awareness. Keep in mind the goal: a clear understanding of the true meaning of the Gospel and a positive response to it. A modified Engel Scale has been developed by Hazelden, which you might find helpful: www.hazelden.org.uk/pt02/art_pt068_modified_engel_full.htm#Modified Also see Frank Gray’s work: www.thegraymatrix.info/ Felt Needs Defined [Pilot: Section One, Part I, #2] Societies and individuals embrace change when potential advancements or perceived problems produce discontent. Evangelism takes place in this context. Strategic 2.
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planners evaluate subjectively felt needs, understanding that needs are defined by a people and shaped by their culture. Believing that the felt needs of a people are not irrelevant or unrelated to the spiritual dimensions of the Kingdom of God, one understands these needs are often symptoms of deeper needs that people may not yet recognize. Using D/F pp. 116-122 to guide you, list and discuss the felt needs of the people you propose to reach with the gospel. You will be expected to refer back to these needs when you are writing Chapter V as you seek to analyze your strategy. One could briefly mention at this point any current effort being made to alleviate these needs. As you develop your strategy, you will know whether your mission will act to meet certain needs or merely act as a liaison between the people and those who can meet them. Behavior Defined [Pilot: Section One, Part 1, #3] We know that various customs can act as bridges in helping people into the Kingdom or as walls to keep them out. Understanding that culture comes under the scrutiny of Christ's Lordship and of the Scriptures, we seek not to "deculturize" a people's behavior but seek rather to find that "fit" between the gospel and their culture. One can cite cultural practices of a people group clearly prohibited by Scripture and relate how important they are to their life-style. Refer to D/F pp. 123-130 concerning behavior patterns. Draw from Sections 1 and 2 of your Chapter II as well as from Chapter III to help you define areas of conflict and agreement with the gospel. A major part of this chapter may be devoted to a presentation and discussion of the receptivity and resistance scale found in the D/F text, pages 129/178ff. It would be quite appropriate at the end of this chapter to summarize the characteristics of this people group that will be especially important in your strategy planning. Note: At least two visual aids will be found in this chapter: an Engel/Sogaard Scale or Gray Matrix and "receptivity-resistance scale." 3.
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CHAPTER V: THE FORCE, MEANS AND METHODS FOR EVANGELISM [7-12 pgs] [Pilot: Section One, Part II and a portion of Section Two] Three particular areas will be noted in this chapter: a discussion of the Christian missionary force (including other missions and nationals) along with non-missionary organizations; the means and methods to reach this people group; and a broad strategy statement which you will later develop in Chapter VI (see D/F pp. 194-219). One could begin or make mention of something written in Chapter III, i.e., "As was noted in Chapter III, the Roman Catholics have been working in this area ...". People and Organizations Available [Pilot: Section One, Part II, #1] It is possible, though unlikely, that you will be a lone missionary against the world in the area you have chosen. Hopefully, as you fulfill the mission being defined in your strategy, you will have companions working with you to help reach the stated goals. Refer to D/F, pp. 136/212 and discuss the kind of people available to assist in this ministry. It is especially important to note if there is anyone at the +2 or +3 level of awareness on the Engel Scale that can be helpful in accomplishing your mission. Some questions that could be asked are: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) Are there any Christians among the people? Are they willing to reach out? Do they need motivating? If local Christians are available, are they culturally acceptable? Are other Christians to be found/available who are culturally akin to this group? Who has experience with this people (or a similar people)? Would a "team approach" be better initially, or would a single couple (or single person) be best to begin this ministry? 1.
Looking back at this people group's felt needs (last chapter), what kind of organizations are available to come to your assistance to help meet these needs? Do not overlook government, secular organizations and parachurch, paramission agencies here. Refer to pp. 158ff in D/F as you write this section. Is it possible to have close cooperation with other mission groups already present in that area of the world? As you think in terms of parachurch or paramission agencies lending valuable assistance in making the church a visible force of loving concern in the community, remember that a holistic ministry must maintain the primacy of evangelism. This paper, while considering all of the potential aid for ministry, must center on the planting or acceleration of the church via pre-evangelism, evangelism, and church planting as being central to the mission of the Church. 2. Defining the Means and Methods [Pilot: Section One, Part II, #2] The use of the definition of means and methods found on page 181 of D/F is encouraged. Note in particular the list of methods cited on pages 182-183 of Dayton/Fraser. Refer back to strategies or methods which have been used in the past among the target population. Explain why some means and methods have failed and which ones need to be expanded. What new means or methods would you like to introduce? Think within the framework of the thought patterns of this people group and seek an innovative, creative method for communicating the gospel to them.
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1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 3.
The following questions can be asked: What indigenous means and methods for communication could be utilized? What can be learned from other groups (even non-Christians) that could help me reach this people group? How can evangelism become an integral part of development, health care, etc.? Can this method be biblically justified? Could a pilot project(s) be initiated?
Analyzing the Strategy Needed [Pilot: Section Two, Part 1, #1 & #2] Drawing from your knowledge of this people group and your analysis of various means and methods, make a broad statement of strategy. You will find help in D/F pp. 209-219. A suggested pattern for this statement is listed on D/F p. 218. This pattern has been modified to be consistent with the senior paper. The statement of strategy should follow this basic pattern: The intent of this strategy is to evangelize ___________________(name of PG). Evangelization will begin among the ___________________(specific group within PG), who are located at ________________ on the _______________ scale or matrix. The preferred methods of pre-evangelism and evangelism will be ____________________. This will be carried out by _______________________. The goal of this strategy is that _____ % of this group will be ______________________ by ________. This statement is a crucial part of your paper and requires considerable reflection on your part. A people group is considered reached when a viable church has been established capable of evangelizing their own people without the help of outside aid. From this broad statement of purpose, you will be making your plan for action in the next chapter. This is a proposal based on your research. This should not be a timid or weak proposal. You should show here that your research has revealed this workable strategy for missions among these people. After the statement of strategy, chronologically list key short-term (first 2 years) goals, medium-range (2 – 5 years) goals, and long-term goals (more than 5 years). The list should not provide detailed explanations of the goals; that will be occur in final section of Chapter VI. Each goal should be concise, well-written, and follow the pattern of SMART goals: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timed. The instructions on pages 285 to 292 D/F may be helpful in writing this section. This section may be shorter than some, as the first two sections will comprise the bulk of the writing for this chapter.
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CHAPTER VI: PLANNING FOR ACTION [7-12 pages] [Pilot: Section Two, Part I, #3; and Part II] You are ready to explain a plan for evangelizing this people group. The plan refers back to the analysis of strategy in Chapter V, organizes the various parts of the strategy, and puts them into a prioritized framework—prioritized, not so much according to importance but as to time. What needs to be done first, how long will it take, what can be done simultaneously, and what parts of the strategy will not begin for a long time? 1. Anticipating Results [Pilot: Section Two, Part I, #3] One cannot control events, but one can anticipate them. With reference to pages 231-260 in D/F, what kind of results are you anticipating? What kind of church organization will you anticipate to emerge among this people group? What form will the training of ministry take? The charts on pages 236 and 254 of D/F may be helpful in writing this section. Personalizing the Planning [Pilot: Section Two, Part II, #1] Write as if you are planning to be part of the force for evangelism. Avoid personal pronouns in your writing as you think through your own possible role in this society and your contribution and responsibility within the strategy. How will your giftedness contribute to ministry in this unique cultural context? How will your temperament tendencies fit with your anticipated responsibilities in the strategy? How will your giftedness and temperament tendencies mix with the cultural roles and norms for people your age and gender? Pages 263-282 of D/F will be helpful. Final Plans [Pilot: Section Two, Part II, #2] This final section of your paper is of prime importance. Page 298 of D/F will be of particular help. A PERT diagram showing a timetable for the fulfilling of goals will be a major requirement for this section. Most plans will include several sub-goals to assure logical flow from phase to phase. Assure that everything that needs to be done in one phase can be accomplished in the time allotted before the next phase is scheduled to begin. Show what work will be done simultaneously with other work and what work will need to wait. Include times of evaluation. In your discussion of the chart, make clear statements as to the times you will set aside for evaluation as well as that which will be evaluated. What questions need to be asked in order for the evaluation to reveal progress—or lack of same? As referred to above, this section of the paper is not simply a chart. The body of this section and the largest portion of this chapter must be devoted to a discussion of the plan represented by the chart. Do not make a discussion of language study a major part of the writing in this section. It is assumed that you will learn the language as a part of your preparation. This should be included in your chart and in the discussion of it, but do not spend time and space discussing methods of language learning. YOU HAVE ARRIVED AT A SIGNIFICANT POINT IN YOUR RESEARCH PROJECT. THE FINAL DRAFT LEADING TO THE BOUND COPY [Pilot: CD] IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER! 3. 2.