What is an Unreached People Group (UPG)?

A UPG is a group of people with a common language and culture with no Christians or so few, they will not hear about the Gospel of Jesus Christ unless someone from outside their group tells them. A UPG is not a cultural subgroup, such as the postal workers of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Why are UPGs unreached ?

  • They may not have the Bible in their language.
  • Political barriers : Christianity outlawed. Missionaries denied visas.
  • Spiritual Strongholds : Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Spirit worship.
  • Geographical barriers : Nomads, desert people, mountain people.
  • No mission or church has gone to them yet with the Good News.
  • Though some have been told, they are resistant.

Many unreached people groups are in the 10/40 Window, an area from 10 to 40 degrees north of the equator from Africa through Asia.

How many UPGs are in the world ?

  • It depends on how you count them (similar dialects, , etc.)
  • It depends on when you consider a group "reached" with the Gospel
  • Estimates run from 500 to several thousand people groups "unreached" yet
  • Most UPGs have at least 1 church praying for them (under 200 without one)