The Lord has graciously raised up several sets of global people group information. Each of these sets has a unique perspective in helping advance the Kingdom of God. There are at least three widely used global people group data sets:

• CPPI from International Mission Board   (www.peoplegroups.org)
• World Christian Database   (www.worldchristiandatabase.org/wcd/)
• Joshua Project   (www.joshuaproject.net)

These lists have various sources, definitions, philosophies, update mechanisms and publication cycles. Please see the various websites for further details. There is significant value in having multiple perspectives on the ethnic peoples of the world. Differences in the data help point out where more investigation is needed as well as identify potential errors.

The World Christian Database and SIL Ethnologue provided the foundation for the CPPI and Joshua Project lists.  CPPI and Joshua Project have modified these sources with data from field staff and regional and national researchers, particularly for South Asia.

Patrick Johnstone stated that people group "list holders experience close and warm links with each other, sharing both new and corrective information while respecting our differing networks of providers and users. We value peer challenges, which would not be possible with a single listing. Monopolies are never good."

While multiple data sets provide valuable perspectives on the Great Commission, they can also give rise to confusion and seeming contradictions.  The below table is an attempt to outline some of the distinctives and uses of these three people group data sets.  This is not an attempt to promote one list over another or suggest that one is "better" than another.  Rather it is intended as a guide to show the unique purposes and value of each list.

As the people group lists are evaluated, a person should consider how the list is to be used. Language-focused ministries (audio and video distribution, Gospel radio, etc.) are likely to need a list that focuses on language groupings such as the SIL Ethnologue.  Church planting and discipleship ministries need a list that emphasizes ethnic / cultural and language distinctives. Also, the region of the world under consideration may influence the choice of a people group list.

These lists are gifts from the Lord to the global missions community.  May the Lord continue to grant wisdom and discernment to all the efforts seeking to help clarify the remaining task of the Great Commission.

For a related general people group list comparison, click here.