1. How It Begins

There are several ways that a church can enter the adoption process.  All are at their initiation.  You need to determine how their interest began and what level of involvement they want.

Church contacts IMB about adopting an UPG.      

The first contact may come when a church calls or writes the IMB’s International Prayer Strategy Office.  They may be referred to the PRAYERplus Program.  They often ask for several People Group profiles to consider, but there is an important question that needs to be answered: “Do they want to emphasize prayer alone or are they interested in active engagement with the people group and our missionaries?”

PRAYERplus is for those who want to pray – Project:PeopleLink is about engagement. 

(See copy of letter sent to a church from IMB upon initial inquiry about adopting a UPG.)[2]

All adoptions should be recorded with PRAYERplus because prayer is the most essential strategy.  Active engagement with the field allows churches to gain first-hand knowledge about their UPG and get involved in supporting the specific strategies being used to reach them.  Project:PeopleLink coaches can provide guidance and training for the congregation that is interested in advocacy and engagement.

(See http://www.imb.org/pray/prayerplus.htm for information on PRAYERplus.)

Church signs up with IMB to be a Global Priority Church.

When a church signs up to be a Global Priority Church (GPC) through the Creative Access Network Office (Bill Morgan) of the IMB one of the criteria is to adopt an UPG.  They are encouraged to contact Project:PeopleLink to get help with the adoption process.  These churches should be encouraged to move toward active engagement with our missionary personnel working with a UPG. 

           (See “Explanation of the Global Priority Church.”)[3]

(See http://www.imb.org/GlobalVision/GPC/default.htm for the vision and registration for GPC.)

2.  Offering Your Help

Your success as a coach is dependent on your ability to develop a relationship with the key leaders of the church.  A humble servant spirit is the key.  You will have the opportunity to offer encouragement and friendship to the people you meet in this process. 

The Pastor

The most important person in a successful UPG adoption is the pastor.  He must be encouraged to see this process as God’s Invitation to him and his people to take the gospel to the uttermost part of the earth.  This is real Great Commission stuff!  He may not yet understand this.  Someone else in his congregation may have initiated the adoption process.  You need to lift up his importance in casting a vision for the congregation and seeking God’s direction for which UPG to adopt.

Contact Person

You will need to establish a primary contact person to work with.  This will likely be a staff member or a member of a mission committee.  This may be the person who already has a passion for UPGs or has a relationship with missionaries on the field.  You will be transferring your knowledge of the adoption process over to them.  In fact, you should consider this as the opportunity to train another Project:PeopleLink coach. 

Champion

You will help the church understand the concept and discover someone in their congregation that God will call out to be the Champion for the specific UPG they are led to adopt.  This should be a layperson!  (Staff members have too many other responsibilities.)  This will be someone who gives primary leadership to the UPG adoption and strategy.  “Ideally this person should have a passion for the adoption philosophy.  If a champion is not yet evident, pray that God will raise one up, and refrain from adoption until He does.  Administrative skills and the ability to work hard are traits of the effective champion.  But the singular most important attribute is a genuine burden and call to this ministry.”[4]

(See http://www.calebproject.org/advonet.htm and http://www.ad2000.org/adoption/Agpkeys.htm.)

3.  Understanding UPG Adoption and Strategy

You will help the congregation begin the process of learning about UPG adoption, philosophy, strategy, and critical issues.  You do not need to tell them everything they need to know.  You need to introduce them to the resources that are available so they can begin to learn and discover their place.  The World Wide Web is a rich resource for research.  There are a few good books about UPGs and People Group Adoption available from mission agencies.  (See The Coach’s Toolkit.)

Biblical Basis for UPG Adoption

One of the most important Biblical truths to motivate you, as a Project:PeopleLink Coach, is that advocacy for UPGs is at the center of God’s heart.  Oftentimes Christians limit their advocacy for evangelizing the unreached peoples of the world to well known passages in the NT such as Matthew 28:18.  When this occurs, we neglect the fact that the Old Testament says much about God’s heart for the nations.  Though this is often unintentional.  The result is that it undermines the truth that from the beginning of God’s revelation in Genesis, God has been very concerned with all the people groups of the world.

 (See "BIBLICAL BASIS FOR UPG ADVOCACY" at the endnote for further insights)[5]

A close look at the Bible tells us that "The Unfinished Task" of "a church for every people and the Gospel for every person" ought to be done.

Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey what I command" (John 14:15).  When Jesus gave the Great Commission to His followers, He commanded them, "Go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). The word He used for "nations" was ethne, which can easily be translated "ethno-linguistic peoples" instead of "nations" (countries with politically drawn boundaries). In reaching the world for Christ, believers should take the good news of Jesus Christ to unreached ethno-linguistic peoples.

The Bible tells us that people from every ethno-linguistic group will be in heaven.  John wrote in Revelation 7:9, "After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb."[6]

Loving Unreached Peoples as well as Missionaries

Much traditional mission support has been based on love for the missionaries.  The prayers and interest of the supporting churches have focused on the missionaries and their families.  God's passion is for the unreached people!  UPG adoption acknowledges the importance of missionaries, offering them support and encouragement, while keeping the focus on the harvest not the workers.

(See http://www.ad2000.org/adoption/AGPstrat.htm or find the article at the endnote.)[7]

Learning About UPGs

Each congregation that is considering UPG adoption will need a team of people that will seek out information about Unreached People Groups.  Your job is to get them started in their search.  The best place to start is on the World Wide Web.  There are sites containing general information and specific People Group Profiles.  Be sure to caution the team about how current and accurate web site information might be.  A great place to start is the International Mission Board’s web site for Global Research http://www.imb.org/missionaries/GlobalResearch/default.htm or AD2000’s web site http://www.ad2000.org.  

(See http://www.csaedge.org for profiles of groups in Central Asia.)  

(See “People Group Adoption Suggestions” for two UPG profiles.)[8]

IMB Philosophy: People Groups and Church Planting Movements

The IMB is moving in exciting new directions.  The shift to a people group focus is allowing for more creative, cooperative, and strategic planning.  The goal of initiating and nurturing church-planting movements among all peoples acknowledges the amazing work that God is doing around the world.  A church-planting movement is a rapid multiplication of indigenous churches within a people group.  Churches here in North America have a great opportunity to work in partnership with our IMB personnel, other Great Commission Christian organizations, and nationals to support the spread of the Gospel.

(See http://www.imb.org/GlobalVision/NewDirections/default.htm for “New Directions” booklet.)

Field-Led Strategy

The most critical issue that must be addressed concerning engagement on the field is that all projects must be approved by the field personnel and fit into their strategy.  They are the ones with first-hand knowledge and experience in the cultural context.  This does not mean that home team partners cannot suggest ideas and resources that may not have been considered by the strategy coordinator, but home team partners must defer to the judgment and direction of the field personnel.

Security Training

Another critical issue dictated by the field is the level of security required.  In many parts of the UPG world, the opportunity for a continuing witness could be lost if care is not given to security in communications.  This is not meant to cause home team members to be paranoid – only careful!  There are places where the lives of the missionaries and the nationals could be put in danger.  The key principle is to do nothing that will hinder to spread of the Gospel. 

A general knowledge of security issues related to UPG ministry should be part of the early training for a church learning about adoption.  This extends to how they promote their mission activities in their church newsletter and what they put on the bulletin board in the church hallway. 

(See "Unclearly Speaking" for guidelines on words not to use in corresponding about UPGs.)[9]

(See http://www.ad2000.org/adoption/Coop/NetPeoSp/NPfctNws.htm and linked pages.  Also see http://www.calebproject.org/muslet.htm for additional security information.)

Your strategy coordinator is the expert on security issues for his area of the world.  Follow his guidelines carefully.  Unless instructed otherwise, the following rules should always be observed.

Never put persons, location (even country), and/or ministry together in print.

Never put persons and places together in public (verbal). Assuming it’s not recorded, more information can be given to a limited audience (e.g., a leadership meeting). The more limited the audience, the more can be shared.   When sensitive information is given, please remind the hearers that its misuse could severely handicap ministry or harm local believers

Advocacy and Engagement

Unreached People Groups are also referred to as “hidden peoples.”  A major part of the adoption strategy is raising awareness for the people group through the process of advocacy.  Each church that adopts a UPG needs to find an individual in the congregation who feels called to be the Champion for their UPG.  This person enlists a team to work with him/her in finding way to increase prayer, resources, and personnel directed to reaching their adopted people group with the gospel.  (See endnote for one strategy coordinator’s suggestions for increasing prayer for his people group through home team advocacy.)[10]

       (See http://www.townbeacon.com/mossi/home.htm for a great people group advocacy site.)

The ultimate step in adoption is actual engagement in a strategic partnership with those who are working on the field to reach the UPG.  Sending prayer walk and survey teams may be the first steps.The key to successful engagement is working closely and under the leadership of the strategy coordinator on the field.  The church offers prayer, people, financial support, advocacy network, anything the Lord provides, to be available to strengthen, support, and advance the mission.

Home Team Leader

A church that adopts a UPG and enters into a relationship with the missionary personnel on the field may chose to become the Home Team Leader.  This would mean that the church, specifically the Champion and his/her leadership team, accepts the role of communication hub, prayer coordinator, information center, recruitment network, and home base support for their UPG and mission partners. 

(See “UPG Partnership Proposal” for ideas of how a Home Team Leader can be involved.  Big Stuff!)[11]

4.  Discovering God’s Invitation

You need to help the congregation pursue an “Experiencing God” process in selecting a UPG to adopt.  This does not need to be a random choice.  Look for where God is already at work.  Ask questions and probe for possible links that already exist.

(See http://www.ad2000.org/adoption/Slectovr.htm for a detailed discussion on selecting a UPG)

Existing Relationships

The first place to look for God's invitation is in existing relationships.  Are there family members, close friends, classmates, or others people that members of the congregation already know that are serving on the mission field?  Are they working with or serving near UPGs?

Language and Culture Connections

There may be a group of people in the congregation with language skills or a cultural heritage that would serve as a connection for considering a specific UPG.  There may be an ethnic population group in the area or in a nearby city that would provide an entry point for ministry with a particular UPG.  Look for international students and immigrant clusters for ideas concerning God's invitation.

Business and Skill Resources

Ministry on the field is often related to bringing people with business experience or specialized skills on short-term teams to help the local people with economic development.   Health care skills, agricultural development, water resource management, and teaching skills are just a few of the platforms that can be used to bring a gospel witness to unreached peoples.  These kinds of resources in a congregation may give insight to where God would open opportunities around the world.

Unique Burden

Sometimes God give an individual, often the pastor, a unique burden for some country, region, tribe, or people.  This burden may have come from reading about the people, travel to a country or region, or by a divine prompting from the Holy Spirit.  If such a burden already exists look for supporting links that may already be in place.  Affirm God's sovereign ability to plant a burden in the heart of His servant.

New Relationships

As a Project:PeopleLink coach, you will have the opportunity to introduce the congregation to IMB missionary personnel who are looking for churches to adopt their UPG.  Your job is to help the church prepare for the dialogue that will be necessary to explore possible adoption and strategic partnerships with field personnel. 

Making the Connections

When the congregation is ready to move ahead with the adoption process they may need your help in developing the contacts and relationships necessary to become involved in UPG adoption and engagement.  They may have already discovered just where God would have them connect or you may have to introduce them to a strategy coordinator who is interested in having a church adopt their people group.  This stage of the adoption process needs your careful attention.  Here is where you link people together.  Pray for wisdom and God’s direction.

Narrowing Down the Choices

God may have caused the congregation’s leaders to have a tender heart toward a particular region of the world or a particular country.  Your job will be to present to them the names of a few (2 to 4) UPGs in that area and begin to tell them about possible engagement strategies.

(See attached article – “People Group Consideration and Selection: Summary of the Regions”) [12]

Introduction to Possible Field Relationships

The next step is to introduce the church leaders to the IMB missionaries who are responsible for reaching these UPGs.  Security issues will dictate the procedure used to explore possible relationships and partnerships.  You may have to make first contact to the strategy coordinator to give them some background information about the congregation, their level of security training, and commitment.

You will have access to information about interested strategy coordinators through Project:PeopleLinkUPG Specialists.  These are individuals with experience and/or knowledge in certain regions of the world.  They will have a list of missionary personnel serving in those areas who are looking for partnerships with local churches.  They will also be able to provide information about how to begin a dialogue between the strategy coordinator and the local church.

(See Project:PeopleLink Team below to contact UPG Specialists).

Has God Raised Up a Champion?

As the church explores these relationships and possible partnerships, this important question becomes critical.  Has God raised up a Champion in the local church who feels called to give leadership to the adoption and partnership?  The call may come through a love for the missionaries that the church will be working with or may come from learning about the specific UPG the church is considering adopting.  Until God raises up this key individual, the church should not finalize the adoption.  They need to continue to search and pray. 

Let Relationships Grow

The key to a successful adoption is “relationship”!  The strategy coordinator will need to be allowed time to get to know the Champion, Pastor, and members of the congregation.  Trust is critical in working together in sensitive areas of the world.  The missionaries on the field need to know that the congregation is serious about adoption and will follow through by fulfilling its commitments.   Planning a Pray Walk or Survey trip to the field is a way for the congregation’s leaders to learn about the UPG and spend time getting to know the missionaries.  A second method is inviting the missionaries to visit with the congregation.  This could be during furlough or a special trip back to the states.  The church needs to be willing to invest time and money to develop these relationships.

Potential Engagement Strategies

The congregation will need to consider potential engagement strategies prepared by the Strategy Coordinator.  Does the congregation have some of the resources needed?  Are they interested in the projects and assignments that they would be asked to fulfill?  Can they trust God to bring the resources to them?  Can they enlist other to join in providing the resources, personnel, and prayers needed to support the strategies?

(Study “UPG Partnership Proposal” again for a detailed engagement strategy) [13]

6.  Adoption and Engagement

When God has led the congregation to grow in its knowledge and passion for the unreached peoples of the world, and when He has allowed them to meet and fall in love with a missionary or strategy coordinator working with a UPG, and when God has confirmed in the hearts of the pastor, leaders, and field personnel that they have been called to minister together, it is time to celebrate!  God’s invitation needs to be accepted enthusiastically!  It needs to be accepted seriously.

(See http://www.ad2000.org/adoption/Agpkeys.htm for summary of keys to a successful adoption)

Agreement and Covenant

The congregation and the field personnel need to clearly define their relationship, expectations, and responsibilities.  This should be expressed in the form of a covenant agreement.  There will still be much to work out in the coming months and years, but there must be a firm foundation established.  The challenges of time, distance, changing personnel, spiritual warfare, and an overwhelming task will test the faith and commitment of all parties involved.  This covenant agreement may be simple or detailed, but it must be clear and firmly endorsed.

Registering Your Adoption

The International Prayer Strategy Office of the IMB keeps a record of people group adoptions through a program called PRAYERplus  (PrayerPlus@imb.org or 1-888-462-7729).  Next, you should encourage the church to register as a Global Priority Church (globalpriority@imb.org or 1-877-462-4721).

There are several other Great Commission Christian organizations that maintain adoption list.  A church may wish to register their UPG adoption with these organizations in order to discover what other groups have adopted their people group.

(See http://www.ad2000.org/adopform.htm and http://www.aapc.net/adptregform.html)

Celebrating Your Adoption

The entire congregation needs to be included in a time of celebration.  This may occur during a special week of world mission emphasis or at another time when the missionary or strategy coordinator can be present.  The congregation needs to understand that adoption is not a passing interest, but a long-term commitment to God to join Him in bringing the gospel to the chosen UPG.

(See “A Suggested Schedule for an Adoption Weekend” at the endnote)[14]       

(See http://www.aapc.net/ceremony.html for suggestions on an adoption ceremony and http://www.ad2000.org/adoption/AGPCert.htm for a suggested adoption certificate.)

Preparing for Engagement

The purpose of engagement is to advance the work of the missionaries.  Serious attention needs to be given to prayer and training before undertaking any project.  The UPG Champion and team should have done extensive research on all aspect of the people group and country.  A prayer network should be the first piece in place.  Teams planning to visit the field will need cultural training in addition to any skill training needed for the project.  The entire congregation should be encouraged and given opportunities to learn about the people group and mission strategy.  There are several excellent books and training events available through the IMB and other Great Commission Christian groups.

The IMB offers training on Pray Walks.  Campus Crusade For Christ International’s Macedonian Project offers team leader training and materials for participants training for short-term teams (See site at http://www.macproject.com/).   US Center for World Missions offers an intensive training course and text entitled Perspectives on the World Christian Movement (See http://www.uscwm.org/).

Home Team Networks (Advocacy Networks)

Advocates want to enlist others to share their passion and help them accomplish their goals.  A congregation that accepts God’s invitation to be Home Team Leader in a Strategic Mission Partnership will soon discover that they want other churches to join them in providing prayer, resources, and personnel for the cause.  When multiple churches adopt the same UPG, segments of the same UPG, or related UPGs (those in an ethno-linguistic cluster) they can form a Home Team Network.  They will gain strength and encouragement by cooperating and sharing in the tasks of advocacy and engagement.

(See http://www.ad2000.org/adoption/Coop/NetPeoSp/NPIntOvr.htm for ideas on Advocacy)