Expanding Your Missions Beyond Unreached People Groups

Since missionaries started to identify and target unreached people groups in the 1970s, this strategic shift has been a pivotal aid to the church in recognizing language and cultural communities with limited gospel presence. Platforms like the Joshua Project have helpfully contributed to greater missiological knowledge, labeling groups with less than two percent evangelical Christian presence as “unreached.” 

But is it enough to focus on the unreached? Do these now commonly used statistical benchmarks tell the whole story? And doesn’t faithfulness to the Great Commission demand a broader view?  

The Limits of Unreached People Groups as the Overriding Strategy 

While the focus on the unreached has undoubtedly brought needed attention to the cause of the unreached, local churches must also broaden their missions strategy beyond targeting only these specific groups. To understand why, consider these cautions and alternative approaches to help churches build comprehensive and effective missions strategies. 

Caution #1: Artificial Limits 

The categories of “unreached” or “unengaged” are narrowly defined. The criteria for a people group being unengaged is when that group lacks any known missionaries or evangelical church planting strategy and is unreached, when less than two percent of the population is evangelical Christian, and less than five percent is nominal Christian of any kind. The reason for this two percent threshold is that it is supposed that a minority group within a broader social unit, if they reach about two percent of the whole, is theoretically capable of starting a movement capable of influencing the rest of the population. While this theory has some merit, it remains to be seen whether this consideration alone should drive local churches’ missions strategies exclusively, to the point of limiting which missionaries are sent and supported.  

The percentage of evangelical presence alone also fails to consider the health of local churches, cultural challenges in evangelism, or the physical or spiritual needs of the existing evangelical population. A holistic approach to understanding the state of the gospel in a particular people group is needed to inform well-rounded missions strategies. 

Caution #2: The Size of the Population 

Not all people groups are equal in size. Some have a small population of a few hundred, while others consist of millions. The decision to invest in a smaller, unreached tribe or a larger group with, say, a 3% evangelical presence requires careful consideration. The potential impact on the kingdom should be a crucial factor in decision-making. Conversely, a 2% shift in a large, “reached” population could affect millions. Without neglecting any people group, we must also recognize the importance of other factors in driving our decision-making as we seek to win the masses of lost souls. 

Caution #3: Availability of Training and Discipleship Resources 

The prevailing wisdom of the focus on unreached people groups assumes that each group’s core evangelical population is healthy enough to multiply and make disciples. But what if they aren’t? 

Churches and missions teams might also consider the availability of theological training and discipleship resources as a factor that would determine whether or not workers should be sent. Many “reached” groups, particularly in politically challenging regions, need significant biblical, theological, and pastoral resources. Investing in training national partners within a reached population could be the key to mobilizing these partners to reach the rest of their countrymen.

Prospective missions teams should identify where translated resources and training are most needed and where they can make the greatest impact. 

A Path Forward 

Global missions is an ever-evolving landscape with many constantly changing dynamics. While noble, focusing solely on unreached groups may limit the potential impact of a church’s mission activities. But by adopting a broader perspective, congregations can develop strategies that address diverse needs, challenges, and opportunities across various communities. Here are three key suggestions to guide churches in developing a comprehensive mission strategy. 

1. Target People Groups for the Greatest Spiritual Fruit 

Rather than adhering strictly to unreached groups, consider evaluating potential impact. Assess the scale and demographics of different people groups to identify where your church’s efforts can yield the most significant fruitfulness. This involves looking beyond the percentage of evangelical presence and considering the overall population and potential impact on the broader community. 

2. Focus on People Groups That Your Church Is Most Equipped to Reach 

Each church possesses unique strengths, resources, and expertise. Recognize and leverage these by focusing on people groups that align with your church’s capabilities. Whether your congregants have unique experiences in a foreign language or culture or specific skill sets (like providing healthcare or aiding in construction), use the gifts and talents of your congregation to shape your thinking about the mission fields you’re best equipped to impact effectively. Don’t work against the grain of your people’s wiring by requiring them to minister to those with whom they are completely incompatible, missing other opportunities for more fruitful, tailored investment. 

3. Use Categories Like ‘Reached and Unreached as Starting Points for Discussion 

While reached and unreached categories provide a useful framework, they should only serve as starting points rather than rigid constraints. Engage in open discussions within your church community to explore different mission opportunities and missionaries to support. Be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading through Scripture and the unique providences that pertain to your church members—this collective witness can often point you to ministry opportunities you would not have otherwise considered. Consider the specific needs, challenges, and potential impact in each context; then, you can collectively discern the most strategic and impactful paths for your church’s global outreach. 

Conclusion 

With the overwhelming lostness in the world today, an intentional missions strategy is not just advisable for your church; it’s imperative. Understanding the plight of the unreached and unengaged is one important step, but it cannot be the sole metric your church uses to weigh its priorities. By moving beyond the conventional focus on unreached groups, your church can unlock new opportunities of impact in its global missions endeavors and support. Targeting people groups for the most potential return, aligning missionaries with your church’s strengths, and using categories as starting points for discussion are crucial steps toward developing a comprehensive missions strategy that will truly make an eternal difference.  

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