Institute for Great Commission Research (IGCR)
Introduction
The Institute for Great Commission Research at 69成人网 exists to conduct cutting-edge missiological research that accelerates the global advancement of the gospel. Through strategic studies, collaborative initiatives, and data-driven insights, the Institute equips churches, mission organizations, and leaders with the knowledge needed to more effectively fulfill the Great Commission in today鈥檚 rapidly changing world.
Leadership
Director: Matthew Niermann, Ph.D.
Rev. Dr. Matthew Niermann leads the Institute for Great Commission Research at California Baptist University, where he directs cutting-edge missiological research aimed at accelerating the fulfillment of the Great Commission. He also serves as Director of the Center for Creativity & Christian Witness at CBU, advancing interdisciplinary inquiry into the relationship between faith, culture, and imagination. In addition to his roles at CBU, Matthew serves as the Director of Global Research for the Lausanne Movement, where he guides international research initiatives that support strategic mission efforts around the world. Through his research, leadership, and global engagement, Matthew equips the Church to think critically and act faithfully in today鈥檚 complex cultural landscape.
Projects
What do young adults believe about the mission of the Church? The Missional Imagination Survey seeks to find out. This research project explores how 18- to 30-year-olds understand and engage with the Great Commission, the calling to share the love and message of Jesus Christ with the world. Through a 2500-person survey, we鈥檙e asking emerging leaders how they see the Church鈥檚 purpose, what motivates them to live missionally, and how cultural and spiritual shifts are shaping their vision for the future.
The Missional Imagination Study is part of a broader effort to listen deeply to the next generation, discern patterns and passions, and equip churches, ministries, and leaders with insights to better partner with young adults in God鈥檚 global mission. The findings will be used to shape training, strategy, and leadership development efforts worldwide.
Overview: The Christian Impact Framework (CIF) Project is a collaborative, cross-denominational initiative committed to developing a standardized language and framework that will provide a common language, practical indicators, and measurable outcomes across key areas of Christian witness, discipleship, church engagement, leadership, and societal renewal.
By connecting mission with meaningful measurement, the Christian Impact Framework
helps organizations better understand what is changing, why it matters, and how to
steward their efforts more effectively.
The Christian Impact Framework (CIF) will provide:
- Standardized Goals & Outcomes: Clear, measurable spiritual impact categories
- Practical Indicators: 300+ example indicators (10 per outcome, across ~7 goals)
- Global Representation: Input from 400+ stakeholders across 6+ regions and 5+
- Open Source & Free: Accessible to all, supporting transparency and accountability
- Complementary Design: Works alongside existing frameworks like the SDGs and IRIS+
Supported by a grant from the Future of Life Institute, this collaborative initiative between the Institute for Great Commission Research (IGCR) and the Lausanne Movement explores how the global Church can faithfully engage the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence. The project convenes evangelical leaders, theologians, ethicists, missiologists, anthropologists, and AI professionals from around the world to develop a distinctly Christian framework for understanding emerging technologies in light of human dignity, moral agency, discipleship, and the mission of God.
Through consultation, research, and statement development, the initiative aims to equip churches, ministries, and Christian institutions with theological guidance and practical wisdom for navigating a rapidly changing technological landscape. The primary outcome is a globally distributed Lausanne hosted statement designed to promote responsible innovation and faithful Christian witness in the age of AI.
In partnership with Missio Nexus, IGCR is conducting a global study on the rise of national-led mission models. By engaging mission agencies, churches, and international mission networks, the project will identify best practices for equipping, supporting, and sustaining local believers in mission, providing research-based guidance for the future of global mission sending.