Affinity Bloc

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The long list of 12,000 people groups is hard to work with. Not only is it big, but there are no readily-apparent connectivities or groupings that can give a more understandable overview of the spiritual needs and the efforts needed to meet those needs. Patrick Johnstone spent several years categorizing the peoples into a pragmatic two-tier hierarchy of 15 Affinity Blocs and 251 or more People Clusters.

The basic principle is that the categorization is not strictly “scientific”, but rather what could be most helpful for practical purposes of mobilization and engagement. This hierarchy therefore retains the flexibility to make adjustments to people groups listed within them, or even create new clusters. We expect developments to be field-driven – that is, most affected by those closest to the action.

An Affinity Bloc is a large grouping of peoples related by language, history, and culture, and usually indigenous to a geographical location.

A list of the Affinity Blocks you will in the page Affinity Block.