The issue of unreached people groups can sometimes be sensitive. As a Fellowship we need to at least acknowledge the fact that about one-third of the world’s peoples are considered unreached and without an effective indigenous church capable of reaching their own people. Although most would be in the 10/40 window, there are still many in regions with church planting movements nearby. Our churches in America and overseas should consider adopting a specific people group or region.

Why? Nearly half of the world’s population is hidden from the gospel because of social, cultural, and linguistic barriers. The largest unreached people group could be labeled as the children of the world. Over 60 percent of the world’s population can neither read nor write, and an even higher percentage of illiteracy exists among unevangelized peoples. Chad alone has over 100 unreached groups. There are more all over Africa, Asia, the Middle East, South America, Siberia, and even in Europe. They have no hope unless they are given an opportunity to hear the gospel message in a clear way and should be the “immediate” targets of our mission efforts.

Are they accessible? We know that already evangelized people in our foreign churches are more capable to enter some of these groups than Americans are. Many are moving to Europe, creating a melting pot that makes many people groups more accessible. Practically speaking though, an unreached group who has become the prayer focus of an adoptive church or several churches has a wonderful advantage of hearing the gospel because God answers prayer. Your church can make a strategically focused contribution by adopting a specific people group.

Why Adopt? The word adopt means “to take for your own or as your own choice.” It also means “to embrace, or take anyone into a relationship.” Ephesians 6:12 states that “…we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” The peoples of this world have been deceived by Satan and he has staked his claim on them. When you decide to adopt a people group, you chose to take ownership of the Great Commission as a church. You embrace them with the love of God, a relationship is begun, and you take them away from the grasp of Satan and bring them to the arms of God.

How to get started:

First, find out the level of commitment needed to adopt and then prayerfully assess with your leaders whether this is an appropriate step for your church to take. You need to get them on board with you.

Second, prayerfully choose the people for your prayer focus. Do you already have connections with a specific unreached people? This connection might be through missionaries you already support, through contacts your members already have, or by referring to lists of unreached peoples obtained from the Mission Office.

Third, learn important influential factors such as the size of the group, their accessibility to the gospel, their religion, location, resources, and any possible attempts that have already been made to reach them. Would you be working with a missionary you know in reaching this people? It is better to work with a missionary already on location. Write them to let them know of your intent to partner with them.

Researching your unreached people gives your church the information and motivation to pray and helps in determining where members can participate. You can find information on most unreached peoples at www.joshuaproject.net. Have each Sunday school class research different aspects and then report the findings to the church. Researching and developing a country profile can be very informative. Find nearby contacts to your unreached people group at universities or neighborhoods near you. Once you have your people group on your mind and in your prayers, you’ll be surprised at the opportunities which arise.

Have a formal adoption ceremony during which church members commit themselves to reaching this people group. Perhaps you might place an adoption certificate in prominent view.

Remember that the initial excitement can grow cold without leadership who regularly bring the unreached people before the congregation. Photos, banquets, contact with a missionary, and communication with other adopting churches are a few things which are helpful. Be creative. As much as possible, become a part of the lives of the people in the group which should involve mission trips to visit them and minister to them. Direct your people to continually ask God to supernaturally work. Since your purpose is to usher a people from the kingdom of darkness to light, your prayers on their behalf become vital. Your communication with your church might include newsletters, prayer profiles of the people group and special prayer sessions. Develop a profile for your people with a summary of their culture and needs.

Churches that adopt people groups commit themselves to –

Pray faithfully that their hearts would be prepared to receive the gospel.

Learn as much as possible about their ways.

Pray that a team of missionaries be raised up to take the gospel to them from your church.

Next month I will give more specific information on the stages of adopting a people group.