Here, I’d like to share a brief article that I wrote related to Ethnographic Field Research (EFR). I always like to develop theological foundations for the things I do in mission.  That desire prompted this paper.  An excerpt follows.  The full article may be downloaded as a PDF.

 

(Excerpt:)

” . . . As followers of Jesus deeply concerned with loving Him and making 

disciples for His glory among all peoples, it is not enough for us to simply  understand and employ secular research methods to Christian interests. We  desire to seek, please, and magnify the Lord in everything we do,  including research.  In order to bring a true Christ-orientation to EFR, we  must found our work upon sound, Biblical, and theological principles.  I  believe that means that we should have a Christ-inspired focus, a Christ- determined goal, and a Christ-pleasing approach.

As followers of Jesus deeply concerned with loving Him and making disciples for His glory among all peoples, it is not enough for us to simply understand and employ secular research methods to Christian interests. We desire to seek, please, and magnify the Lord in everything we do, including research.  In order to bring a true Christ-orientation to EFR, we must found our work upon sound, Biblical, and theological principles.  I believe that means that we should have a Christ-inspired focus, a Christ-determined goal, and a Christ-pleasing approach. . . .”