Reaching The Unreached People Groups Series

REACHING THE UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUPS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:  Matthew 24:14

"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."

Supporting Texts:

Romans 10:13-15, Revelation 7:9, Acts 1:8, Mark 16:15

INTRODUCTION:

The Great Commission is not just a suggestion; it is a divine command given to all believers to take the gospel to every nation, tribe, and people group. Yet, millions of people around the world remain unreached, having never heard the message of salvation. These are communities where the gospel is not readily available, and there are few or no Christian witnesses. The words of Jesus in Matthew 24:14 remind us that the preaching of the gospel to all nations is a necessary step before His return. This makes reaching the unreached a matter of great urgency.

Many factors contribute to the existence of unreached people groups. Some live in remote areas with no access to churches or Christian materials, while others reside in countries where Christianity is restricted or persecuted. Cultural and linguistic differences also create barriers to evangelism. Despite these challenges, God's desire is that all people come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). He has empowered the church to rise above these obstacles and bring the light of salvation to those in darkness.

As believers, we have a responsibility to ensure that no one is left without the opportunity to hear the gospel. This study will consider the concept of unreached people groups, the strategies for reaching them, and the challenges that must be overcome. By understanding and acting on this divine mandate, we align ourselves with God's purpose and contribute to the fulfilment of His kingdom.

1. UNDERSTANDING UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUPS

Reaching the unreached requires us to first understand who they are, why they have not heard the gospel, and what barriers exist in reaching them.

a) Definition of unreached people groups

Unreached people groups are communities where less than 2% of the population are Christians, and there is little or no access to the gospel (Romans 10:14).

b) The need for evangelism in these areas

Without hearing the gospel, these people remain in spiritual darkness, separated from God's saving grace (Acts 13:47).

c) Barriers to reaching the unreached

Language differences, government restrictions, persecution, and deeply rooted cultural beliefs often hinder the spread of the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:22).

d) God’s heart for all nations

The Bible shows that God’s plan includes every tribe, tongue, and nation coming to Him in worship (Revelation 7:9).

e) Biblical Example: Paul’s missionary journeys to the Gentiles

Paul was divinely called to take the gospel beyond Jewish territories, reaching people who had never heard about Jesus (Acts 13:2-3).

2. STRATEGIES FOR REACHING THE UNREACHED

To fulfil the Great Commission, we must adopt effective strategies that overcome barriers and ensure the gospel reaches every corner of the world.

a) Prayer as the first step

Prayer is essential in breaking spiritual strongholds and opening doors for evangelism (Matthew 9:38).

b) Bible translation and literacy efforts

Many unreached groups do not have access to Scripture in their language. Translating the Bible and promoting literacy can help spread the gospel (Psalm 119:105).

c) Sending missionaries to new territories

The church must intentionally raise and send missionaries to regions where Christ is not yet known (Romans 15:20).

d) Using media and technology

Television, radio, social media, and the internet provide powerful tools for spreading the gospel worldwide (Psalm 68:11).

e) Biblical Example: Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

Philip was led by the Holy Spirit to a man who had never fully understood the Scriptures, and through one encounter, he accepted Christ (Acts 8:26-40).

3. OVERCOMING CHALLENGES IN REACHING THE UNREACHED

Evangelising unreached people groups comes with many challenges, but with faith, wisdom, and perseverance, these obstacles can be overcome.

a) Persecution and opposition

Many unreached areas are hostile to Christianity, yet Jesus warned that His followers would face persecution for His sake (John 15:18-20).

b) Lack of financial support

Evangelism requires financial resources, and the body of Christ must be willing to give towards mission work (Philippians 4:15-16).

c) Cultural and language barriers

Effective evangelism requires understanding different cultures and finding ways to communicate the gospel in relatable terms (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).

d) Fear and complacency in the church

Many believers hesitate to engage in missions due to fear or lack of urgency. However, God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and boldness (2 Timothy 1:7).

e) Biblical Example: The Early Church Facing Persecution

Despite persecution, the early believers continued to spread the gospel with boldness, leading to rapid church growth (Acts 8:1-4).

CONCLUSION:

The call to reach the unreached is not optional; it is a divine mandate. Every believer has a role to play in fulfilling the Great Commission. Whether through personal evangelism, prayer, financial support, or mission work, we must be intentional about spreading the gospel. The harvest is truly plentiful, but the labourers are few (Matthew 9:37).