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Seeking to understand what God is doing in the Church today
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Applied Research is at the heart of all we do at EGC.
EGC uses applied research to understand both the changing dynamics of urban communities and the resources and programs needed to support urban churches in their work. In addition, EGC provides information and program models so urban leaders can make decisions and do their work more effectively.
40+ years of applied research
Applied Research is at the heart of all we do at the Emmanuel Gospel Center. This timeline illustrates our track record of 40+ years of applied research at EGC informing and strengthening ministries and leading to all kinds of good fruit.
The reports pictured immediately above and below the yellow timeline represent major studies undertaken by the Center since the mid-1960s. The pictures and diagrams surrounding these reports represent the various ministries and activities that have sprung from or have been supported by the research. The blue ovals and rectangles show the impact resulting from this work. See interactive flash image...
Applied Research at EGC
 Research is an integral part of EGC. We work with area urban churches and para-church organizations to identify priority community needs; facilitate the development of strategies for church and para-church ministry response to these needs; build church and para-church ministry capacity to engage in these strategies; and launch partnership initiatives using these strategies and capacities.
Our research staff has an appreciation of the methodology and value of applied research, familiarity with basic sources of data (including demographic data and other local and national data on community needs and faith-based activities), extensive experience in community listening (frequently we use a facilitated method that utilizes hexagons) and learning teams, and access to pastors and church leaders.
What is applied research?
 Applied research describes any original work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge, or translate existing knowledge, with a specific application in view. But, in our experience, it is actually far more. Applied research…
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is a proven approach to community research which assumes that solutions to community issues can be found within the community.
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means working with the community to deepen understanding of the issues, obtain new information, clearly articulate the issues, and assist those affected to develop and implement an appropriate response.
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is about engaging in a conversation that leads to deeper understanding and positive appreciation of the people and issues involved. This understanding and appreciation is needed to develop responses that make sense both to those seeking to serve and those being served.
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leads to better ministry which leads to positive changes in the lives of individuals and communities.
See the Applied Research Tree, illustrating how fruitful ministry grows from research.
Watch a fun video about applied research!
Research in the ministry context
 EGC uses applied research to understand both the changing needs of urban communities and the resources and programs we can offer to support urban churches in their work. In addition, churches ask EGC to provide them with information and program models so they can make decisions and do their work more effectively. Our many years of experience have given EGC an understanding of how to work with churches to design well-planned and sustainable ministries that positively impact low-income urban community systems. Many churches look to EGC, rather than to secular or other sources, for this kind of support because we understand how churches operate, have developed strong relationships in the urban church community, have a strong track record of service, and know how to communicate our findings and recommendations effectively to pastors and church leaders. Because of this, church leaders trust that EGC will keep their best interests at heart.
Resources
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