How to reach the unreached?

These are the 11 steps it takes to plant a mature church among unreached people. The first step is to get qualified and experienced training. Unfortunately, as valuable as good intentions are they are not sufficient for effective and sustainable ministry.

Second, connect with churches and individuals to invite monthly partners to join the team. Those supporting the ministry are the foundation of the team. Without monthly partners those going would be focusing on surviving rather than serving and focusing full time on ministry.

Third, learn the trade language and culture of the region you are going to. Without the ability to communicate and build friendships you will never feel comfortable in your new home. This means you won't last very long. Fourth, reallocate to your region and language where the unreached are. We believe in the incarnational model of ministry. This requires living in the community you are serving in.

Fifth, learn the indigenous language and culture. God is a personal God, caring for everyone. God's message is a message for everyone, but that message has not been translated into their mother tongue yet. So, unless that message is communicated in their mother tongue it will not feel personal and neither will God.

Sixth, participate in community development projects. There will be many ways to serve the community in an effective and sustainable way. We are determined to add value to the community we are a part of.

Seventh, teach literacy in the indigenous language. Most unreached people have never had an alphabet made for their language. Therefore there are no readers or written materials in their language. But since every believer needs a steady intake of God's Word, literacy is an essential component to seeing a mature church in the future.

Eighth, teach through the Bible chronologically. God's Word was laid out in a story format through most of the Bible. The story of God's rescue plan is best understood by starting at the beginning and culminating with the gospel message.

Ninth, translate the Bible into the indigenous language. Since the goal is to have a mature church it is crucial to have the Bible in their language. God has given us the gift of His Word and the responsibility to make that accessible in every language in the world.

Tenth, disciple new believers in their new faith. We are convinced that a life lived in a growing friendship with God is the most fulfilling and productive life for everyone. But growth takes time and intentional investment in each other's lives.

Eleventh, train indigenous leaders to be the primary teachers and trainers of the next generation. We are convinced the healthiest and most sustainable church community is one with indigenous leaders. So it will be our ambition to empower indigenous leaders and teachers.