03 1b

Section 03: FOREIGN MISSIONS, Foundation Level 1b

03 1b: Adopt, and take steps to disciple, a neglected people

Adopt a specific, neglected, people group to pray for them and their evangelization.

Make plans to prepare those that will go to reach them.
You may have to cooperate with other churches and mission agencies to do this.
You might contact the Adopt-A-People ClearingHouse, 1605 Elizabeth, Pasadena, CA 91104.

*Find in the book of Jonah how God prepared the first foreign missionary to go to a very pagan people group.

*Find in Acts chapters 13 - 14 major events in Paul's first missionary trip.

*Find in Acts 10 through 11:18 guidelines to help a new congregation to be born.

What did Peter and Cornelius both do at first that moved God to enable a cross-cultural church planting project to get started?
How did God force Peter to abandon his cultural prejudices (which all of us have)?
How many persons formed the team that went to Cesarea (see 11:12)? Who had Cornelius gathered to hear the news (10:24)?
What were the main points in Peter's message?
At what point in his narration did the Holy Spirit move powerfully in the hearts of the hearers?

*Find in Acts chapters 13 — 28 guidelines and examples for missionary work.

*Find in Acts 13:1-3 what the church did, to send the missionary team.

*Find in Acts 13:4-12 what convinced the governor that he should believe.

*Find in Acts 13:13-52 good and bad things that happened, as they told the people about Christ.

*Find in Acts 14:1-28 more good and bad things, as they started new churches.

*Find in Acts chapters 16 -20 more examples for mission work.

*Find in Genesis 24 an illustration of going far away to bring people into the family of God.

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* Stories (better, for letting the Word flow from friend to friend)

2(Optional Documents, to view, download or translate, for additional help)

Working Together to Reproduce Churchers. The Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off . . . John was with them as their helper." Acts 13:2-5. Cited from Church Multiplication Guide, Patterson and Scoggins, William Carey Library, Pasadena, CA, USA, Chapter 12, Section 01. Click the explanation you want now, for how to form and work as a church planting task group:

Becoming a Sending Church. Cited from Church Multiplication Guide, Patterson and Scoggins, William Carey Library, Pasadena, CA, USA, Chapter 15, Section 01. "We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith" 1 Thessalonians 3:2. Click the explanation you want now, of why and how God wants your church to serve as a 'mother church':

Multiplying Many Small Churches or Cells Instead of One Big One. Cited from Church Multiplication Guide, Patterson and Scoggins, William Carey Library, Pasadena, CA, USA, Chapter 14, Section 01. "Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets in their house." 1 Corinthians 16:19. Click the explanation you want now, of why and how God wants us to develop small churches and cell groups (tiny churches that are part of a larger one):

For a list of neglected people groups, with vital information about each, Operation World, Patrick Johnstone.

Cooperate with others to find out what you need to know about neglected people groups that you might work with.

Make sure the people group is neglected, receptive and reachable (by your church or ministry group).
What churches near you have adopted an neglected people group?
What has been their experience, encouragement and disappointments with that?

When considering a people group, find out:

its geographic distribution,
its proportion of Christian believers,
the number and kinds of churches, missions and agencies actively at work in it,
the availability of Bible portions in its language,
the proportions of pastors to believer groups,
its survival rates and relief needs,
its spiritual and religious history and receptivity.
Who among your churches and groups have an interest in acquiring skills necessary to minister among that neglected people group?

For help: Research

This page updated 01 02 03