Posted: 10/17/03
Database provides missions insights
SOUTH HAMILTON, Mass.–A new online database has been launched to provide support for Christian mission workers worldwide.
The World Christian Database (www.globalchristianity .org) is billed as a user-friendly searchable Internet database.
The database was developed by Todd Johnson, professor and director of the newly established Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and funded initially by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.
Steve Johnson, a CBF mission worker, illustrated a potential use of the database: One Northern Africa country with a population of more than 9.4 million people has a literacy rate of 67 percent but receives only 286 Bibles annually, even though there is religious freedom without state interference, according to the database. However, a second country with a population of more than 31 million, a 46 percent literacy rate and routine government obstruction of evangelism efforts receives more than 26,000 Bibles annually.
“While there may be many reasons for disparities such as this, the World Christian Database can quickly and easily highlight potential ministry opportunities,” Johnson said. “This site is a great starting point for churches, missions groups, Sunday School classes and other people who want to invest in mission activities.”
Todd Johnson, who is co-author of the “World Christian Encyclopedia” and “World Christian Trends,” has been collecting and publishing information contained in this database for more than 20 years.
“The launch of this site is as significant as the publishing of the first edition of the encyclopedia in 1982,” he said. “It is not intended to diminish the usefulness or value of those books. But where the text is presented from the viewpoint of the authors, this site allows users to set their own criteria and extract data that they deem most useful.”
Todd Johnson is well-known as a source for missions data. His work is published annually in the “Encyclopedia Britannica” yearbook and other publications, such as the “International Bulletin of Missionary Research.” Because of this, the Center for the Study of Global Christianity receives research requests nearly every day from students, churches and journalists, and nearly half of them are turned down.
“We really can't respond to all of them,” he explained. “Many of the requests are for data we don't have, or are too complex to answer in a timely manner. We hope the World Christian Database will allow many people to seek these answers for themselves.”
The site was developed in conjunction with Breuer & Co., a Boston-based data management firm. Advanced analysis tools were developed by the company and offered on the site in various forms.
On the public site, basic research and lists are available to all users. More advanced research is available by subscription. Special software has been developed for high-powered analysis and graphic capabilities for scholars and other research institutions, also on a subscription basis.
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