Author: James and Lisa Hatton

The goal is to see the church functioning independently of the missionaries, with its own elders and deacons caring for, teaching and leading the church.  Not only should the church be edifying the believers but seeking ways to evangelize the unbelievers. The missionaries will begin to go into itinerant mode, leaving the tribe for longer […]

As the church develops, the believers come to understand that they are the church, united in Christ whether gathered together or scattered.  This unity is enhanced as they gether together to hear God’s word and work together to serve God’s purposes. Their exposure to the scriptures reveals more of their own culture or worldview that […]

Once the gospel has been presented, those who give clear testimony of faith in Jesus Christ are gathered together for further teaching.  NTM calls this phase 2 teaching and begins again in Genesis taking familiar stories and changing the focus, speaking to the new believers’ security in Christ. In phase 1, teaching unbelievers, the emphasis […]

Evangelism begins with preparation of lessons, translation of key scriptures and literacy.  Most tribal groups are illiterate so it is important for them to learn to read and write in their own language to eventually read the scriptures once it has been translated into their own language. Evangelism also involves asking questions to make the […]

Culture is key to language learning.  As missionaries observe the culture of the people they are learning the language that describes that culture.  Learning proceeds from the very concrete issues like names for the parts of a house, plants, food to the issues regarding their explanation of where they came from, what they are doing […]

Moving into a tribe is done after surveys and an invitation from the tribal leaders.  The first thing to do is to build a house on land provided by the tribal group.  Often this is done with the help of work teams made up from the missionaries’ supporting churches and friends. Relationship and discipleship are key […]

Arrival on the field plunges the new missionary into a host of different experiences.  They face a new location, new customs, new people, new language, new weather, new shopping, new … Field orientation includes adjustments to the new country and to the practices and policies of NTM in that country.  As well as learning the […]

After training, successful candidates are appointed as members of NTM. However, this is the beginning of a partnership between NTM, the newly appointed missionary and their sending church.

If given the opportunity to plant a church among a tribal people group, where would you start? NTM's training helps you know what to do and provides training in the necessary skills.

What does it take to plant an indigenous New Testament church among a tribal people group? New Tribes Mission exists to assist the ministry of the local church through the mobilizing, equipping, and coordinating of missionaries to evangelize unreached people groups, translate the Scriptures, and see indigenous New Testament churches established that truly glorify God. Take a few moments to look at the BIG PICTURE!