When I was in college, there was one assignment I dreaded the most…
Research projects.
As a “word person” rather than a “number person”, I dragged my feet when it came to collecting research to include in my papers. However, once I started the process, I usually found that the research provided parameters for the formation of a specific thesis, leading to writing that was more directed and impactful.
One GACX member specializes in customized research that provides the parameters for church planting that is highly focused and effective. Deo Volente started in 2019 and initially focused on providing research for mission agencies involved in evangelism and church planting. Now, Deo Volente has expanded to respond to requests from 650 people in 31 countries.
Deo Volente conducts research for clients based on their present needs. For example, Deo Volente did a research project for Teach to Transform, an organization that teaches basic medical skills to church planters across the globe. The training they provide allows church planters to enter persecuted communities and provide for immediate needs.
To aid Teach to Transform, Deo Volente researched 20 or 30 different factors for “optimal positioning,” or areas that best fit the mission of Teach to Transform. For example, Deo Volente researched places with the highest infant mortality and did global research on infant mortality (age of population, birth rates, death rates, causes of death). They then researched where the gospel is moving the most and where it is not moving.
Considering both research pieces, they overlaid the results and found five areas for Teach to Transform to prioritize. Rather than offering their services anywhere in the world, Teach to Transform is now realigning where they work to prioritize these five areas.
In addition to providing customized research for organizations, Deo Volente is currently developing a report based on research of organizations planting churches in rural areas. Deo Volente also recently wrote and published a 90-page paper on the growth of the evangelical church over the next hundred years and a 98-page paper on population migration and the state of the church.
Are you interested in collaborating with Deo Volente? Please visit deo-volente.org.