IPG DemystifiedIPG Demystified

As currently conceived, an intensive As currently conceived, an intensive programme of growth is straightforward, programme of growth is straightforward, simple and effective, but implies a level of simple and effective, but implies a level of

exertion that tests the resolve of the friends.exertion that tests the resolve of the friends.

(The Universal House of Justice, letter dated (The Universal House of Justice, letter dated 27 Dec 2005)27 Dec 2005)

A Series of Worldwide A Series of Worldwide EnterprisesEnterprises

The Five Year Plan that follows (2001-2006) The Five Year Plan that follows (2001-2006) will initiate a series of worldwide enterprises will initiate a series of worldwide enterprises that will carry the Bahá'í community through that will carry the Bahá'í community through the final twenty years (2001-2021) in the the final twenty years (2001-2021) in the first century of the Faith's Formative Age. first century of the Faith's Formative Age. These global Plans will continue to These global Plans will continue to focus on focus on advancing the process of entry by troopsadvancing the process of entry by troops and and on its systematic acceleration.on its systematic acceleration.

(The Universal House of Justice, 1999 Nov 26)(The Universal House of Justice, 1999 Nov 26)

Let There Be No DoubtLet There Be No Doubt

Let there be no doubt that what we are Let there be no doubt that what we are witnessing is the gathering momentum of witnessing is the gathering momentum of that process of the entry of humanity into that process of the entry of humanity into the Cause by troops, foreshadowed by the Cause by troops, foreshadowed by Bahá'u'lláh's Tablet to the King of Persia, Bahá'u'lláh's Tablet to the King of Persia, eagerly anticipated by the Master, and eagerly anticipated by the Master, and described by the Guardian as the described by the Guardian as the necessary prelude to mass conversion.necessary prelude to mass conversion.

(The Universal House of Justice, 2003 Jan (The Universal House of Justice, 2003 Jan 17)17)

The Blessed BeautyThe Blessed Beauty

Erelong shall the snow-white hand of Erelong shall the snow-white hand of God rend an opening through the God rend an opening through the darkness of this night and unlock a darkness of this night and unlock a mighty portal unto His City. On that mighty portal unto His City. On that Day shall the people enter therein by Day shall the people enter therein by troops…troops…

(Baha'u'llah, The Summons of the Lord (Baha'u'llah, The Summons of the Lord of Hosts, p. 134)of Hosts, p. 134)

The MasterThe Master

……the people will enter into the religion of God by the people will enter into the religion of God by troops with great enthusiasm and attraction…troops with great enthusiasm and attraction…

(Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha v3, p. 680)(Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha v3, p. 680)

I beg of God to strengthen these spiritual bonds I beg of God to strengthen these spiritual bonds as day followeth day, and make this mystic as day followeth day, and make this mystic oneness to shine ever more brightly, until at oneness to shine ever more brightly, until at last all shall be as troops marshalled together last all shall be as troops marshalled together beneath the banner of the Covenant …beneath the banner of the Covenant …

(Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of (Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, p. 19)Abdu'l-Baha, p. 19)

The GuardianThe Guardian

Such a steady flow of reinforcements is absolutely Such a steady flow of reinforcements is absolutely vital and is of extreme urgency…vital and is of extreme urgency…

This flow, moreover, will presage and hasten the This flow, moreover, will presage and hasten the advent of the day which, as prophesied by advent of the day which, as prophesied by 'Abdu'l-Bahá, will witness the entry by troops of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, will witness the entry by troops of peoples of divers nations and races into the peoples of divers nations and races into the Bahá'í world -- a day which, viewed in its proper Bahá'í world -- a day which, viewed in its proper perspective, will be the prelude to that long-perspective, will be the prelude to that long-awaited hour when a mass conversion on the awaited hour when a mass conversion on the part of these same nations and races…will part of these same nations and races…will suddenly revolutionize the fortunes of the suddenly revolutionize the fortunes of the Faith…Faith…

(Shoghi Effendi, Citadel of Faith, p. 117)(Shoghi Effendi, Citadel of Faith, p. 117)

A Historical PerspectiveA Historical Perspective Intensive Programme of Intensive Programme of

Teaching Teaching It is the privilege of the Burmese friends to It is the privilege of the Burmese friends to

re-adjust and stimulate their own re-adjust and stimulate their own activities, lay down their own activities, lay down their own programme programme for an intensive and systematic campaign for an intensive and systematic campaign of Teachingof Teaching, and, with an unshakable , and, with an unshakable resolve, arise to carry it to a successful resolve, arise to carry it to a successful conclusion.conclusion.

(Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 7 February (Shoghi Effendi, letter dated 7 February 1925, Messages to the Indian 1925, Messages to the Indian Subcontinent, p. 14)Subcontinent, p. 14)

Intensive Programmes of Intensive Programmes of Growth (IPG)Growth (IPG)

First Mention: The PurposeFirst Mention: The PurposeThe friends who participate in these The friends who participate in these intensive intensive

programmes of growthprogrammes of growth should bear in mind that should bear in mind that the purpose is to ensure that the Revelation of the purpose is to ensure that the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh reaches the masses of humanity and Bahá'u'lláh reaches the masses of humanity and enables them to achieve spiritual and material enables them to achieve spiritual and material progress through the application of the progress through the application of the Teachings…They cannot withhold whatever Teachings…They cannot withhold whatever effort, whatever sacrifice, may be called for.effort, whatever sacrifice, may be called for.

(The Universal House of Justice, 2001 Jan 09, (The Universal House of Justice, 2001 Jan 09, Conference of the Continental Boards of Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors)Counsellors)

Intensity of EffortIntensity of Effort

In the vanguard of the process are those In the vanguard of the process are those clusters which, although still relatively few clusters which, although still relatively few in number, are now ready to launch in number, are now ready to launch intensive programmes of growthintensive programmes of growth. The scale . The scale of expansion that is to mark the next stage of of expansion that is to mark the next stage of growth in these clusters calls for an intensity growth in these clusters calls for an intensity of effort yet to be achieved. May the of effort yet to be achieved. May the prodigious output of energy devoted to this prodigious output of energy devoted to this mighty undertaking be reinforced by the mighty undertaking be reinforced by the power of Divine assistance.power of Divine assistance.

(The Universal House of Justice, 2003 Jan 17)(The Universal House of Justice, 2003 Jan 17)

Advancing Entry by TroopsAdvancing Entry by Troops

Specifically, the House of Justice Specifically, the House of Justice explained that realizing the aim of explained that realizing the aim of advancing the process of entry by advancing the process of entry by troops troops “will depend on the rapid “will depend on the rapid increase in the number of teachers increase in the number of teachers of the Cause.”of the Cause.”

(ITC, 2004 Nov 28, Intensive Programs of (ITC, 2004 Nov 28, Intensive Programs of Growth) Growth)

Paramount Duty of every Paramount Duty of every Baha’iBaha’i

Yet, as we know, our obligation to teach Yet, as we know, our obligation to teach the Cause is not dependent on what the Cause is not dependent on what cluster we live in or how many courses cluster we live in or how many courses we have studiedwe have studied. “God hath prescribed . “God hath prescribed unto every one,” unto every one,” Bahá'u'lláh wrote,Bahá'u'lláh wrote, “the duty of teaching His Cause.”“the duty of teaching His Cause.”

(ITC, 2004 Nov 28, Intensive Programs of (ITC, 2004 Nov 28, Intensive Programs of Growth)Growth)

Become a More Effective Become a More Effective TeacherTeacher

In all cases, what is required is wholehearted In all cases, what is required is wholehearted commitment to learning how to become a more commitment to learning how to become a more effective teacher so that we are prepared to effective teacher so that we are prepared to fulfill this summons of the House of Justice:fulfill this summons of the House of Justice:

““We especially appeal to our fellow Bahá'ís We especially appeal to our fellow Bahá'ís everywhere to mount a mightier effort than ever everywhere to mount a mightier effort than ever before in offering the Message of Bahá'u'lláh to before in offering the Message of Bahá'u'lláh to increasing numbers of their compatriots, and in increasing numbers of their compatriots, and in inviting them to investigate and embrace His inviting them to investigate and embrace His Cause.”Cause.”

(ITC, 2004 Nov 28, Intensive Programs of Growth) (ITC, 2004 Nov 28, Intensive Programs of Growth)

Resurgence of TeachingResurgence of Teaching

To realize this objective, an understanding of To realize this objective, an understanding of the mechanics of the process -- the steps in the mechanics of the process -- the steps in the cycle of expansion and consolidation -- the cycle of expansion and consolidation -- however essential, will not suffice. What is however essential, will not suffice. What is also required is a resurgence of teaching, of also required is a resurgence of teaching, of “inviting people of every sort and every gift “inviting people of every sort and every gift to the banquet table of the Lord of Hosts.”to the banquet table of the Lord of Hosts.”

(ITC, 2004 Nov 28, Intensive Programs of (ITC, 2004 Nov 28, Intensive Programs of Growth) Growth)

Constancy in TeachingConstancy in Teaching

As the House of Justice wrote when it laid As the House of Justice wrote when it laid before us the aim of advancing the before us the aim of advancing the process of entry by troops, process of entry by troops, “thousands “thousands upon thousands of believers will need to upon thousands of believers will need to be aided to express the vitality of their be aided to express the vitality of their faith through constancy in teaching the faith through constancy in teaching the Cause.”Cause.”

(ITC, 2004 Nov 28, Intensive Programs of (ITC, 2004 Nov 28, Intensive Programs of Growth)Growth)

The Way Forward is The Way Forward is ClearClear

Indeed, so consistent has been the experience Indeed, so consistent has been the experience with with intensive programmes of growthintensive programmes of growth, , implemented on the basis of this implemented on the basis of this understanding in divers clusters, that no cause understanding in divers clusters, that no cause for equivocation remains. The way forward is for equivocation remains. The way forward is clear, and at Ridvan 2006 we will call upon the clear, and at Ridvan 2006 we will call upon the believers to steel their resolve and to proceed believers to steel their resolve and to proceed with the full force of their energies on the with the full force of their energies on the course that has been so decidedly set.course that has been so decidedly set.

(The Universal House of Justice, letter dated 27 (The Universal House of Justice, letter dated 27 Dec 2005)Dec 2005)

IPG DefinedIPG Defined

As currently conceived, an intensive programme of As currently conceived, an intensive programme of growth is straightforward, simple and effective, growth is straightforward, simple and effective, but implies a level of exertion that tests the but implies a level of exertion that tests the resolve of the friends.resolve of the friends.

It consists of cycles of activity, in general of three It consists of cycles of activity, in general of three months' duration each, which proceed according months' duration each, which proceed according to distinct phases of expansion, consolidation, to distinct phases of expansion, consolidation, reflection and planning.reflection and planning.

(The Universal House of Justice, letter dated 27 (The Universal House of Justice, letter dated 27 Dec 2005)Dec 2005)

Expansion PhaseExpansion Phase

The expansion phase, often a period of two The expansion phase, often a period of two weeks, demands the highest level of intensity…weeks, demands the highest level of intensity…

Plans being devised for this phase invariably Plans being devised for this phase invariably involve the implementation of carefully involve the implementation of carefully designed teaching projects and campaigns of designed teaching projects and campaigns of home visits and firesides, often through the home visits and firesides, often through the mobilization of teaching teams. The pattern of mobilization of teaching teams. The pattern of expansion that unfolds, however, varies from expansion that unfolds, however, varies from cluster to cluster.cluster to cluster.

(The Universal House of Justice, letter dated 27 (The Universal House of Justice, letter dated 27 Dec 2005)Dec 2005)

Consolidation PhaseConsolidation Phase

……the consolidation phase, which largely the consolidation phase, which largely involves nurturing the interest of involves nurturing the interest of seekers and accompanying them in seekers and accompanying them in their spiritual search until they are their spiritual search until they are confirmed in their faith.confirmed in their faith.

(The Universal House of Justice, letter dated (The Universal House of Justice, letter dated 27 Dec 2005)27 Dec 2005)

Cluster Reflection MeetingCluster Reflection Meeting(Reflection & Planning Phases)(Reflection & Planning Phases)

Key to the progress of an intensive programme of Key to the progress of an intensive programme of growth is the phase dedicated to reflection, in which growth is the phase dedicated to reflection, in which the lessons learned in action are articulated and the lessons learned in action are articulated and incorporated into plans for the next cycle of activity. incorporated into plans for the next cycle of activity. Its principal feature is the reflection meeting - as Its principal feature is the reflection meeting - as much a time of joyous celebration as it is of serious much a time of joyous celebration as it is of serious consultation..consultation..

Meetings of reflection will have to be held periodically Meetings of reflection will have to be held periodically in order to monitor progress, maintain unity of in order to monitor progress, maintain unity of thought and mobilize the energies of the friends.thought and mobilize the energies of the friends.

(The Universal House of Justice, letter dated 27 Dec (The Universal House of Justice, letter dated 27 Dec 2005)2005)

Bend Your EnergiesBend Your Energies

The friends and their institutions were urged to The friends and their institutions were urged to study the message (27 Dec 2005) thoroughly, study the message (27 Dec 2005) thoroughly, and its content is no doubt well familiar to you. and its content is no doubt well familiar to you. We now call upon each and every one of you to We now call upon each and every one of you to bend your energies towards ensuring that the bend your energies towards ensuring that the goal of establishing over the next five years goal of establishing over the next five years intensive programmes of growthintensive programmes of growth in no less than in no less than 1,500 clusters worldwide is successfully met.1,500 clusters worldwide is successfully met.

(The Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 163, (The Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 163, 2006)2006)

Arise and Achieve Our Arise and Achieve Our EndEnd

With this vision clearly set before us, and With this vision clearly set before us, and fortified by the knowledge of the gracious aid fortified by the knowledge of the gracious aid of Bahá'u'lláh and the repeated assurances of of Bahá'u'lláh and the repeated assurances of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, let us first strive to live the life 'Abdu'l-Bahá, let us first strive to live the life and then arise with one heart, one mind, one and then arise with one heart, one mind, one voice, to reinforce our numbers and achieve voice, to reinforce our numbers and achieve our end.our end.

(Shoghi Effendi, letter to the American Believers (Shoghi Effendi, letter to the American Believers dated 24 Nov, 1924, Baha'i Administration, p. dated 24 Nov, 1924, Baha'i Administration, p. 68-69) 68-69)

Raise the CryRaise the Cry

Let us recall…the last wishes of our departed yet Let us recall…the last wishes of our departed yet ever-watchful Master:ever-watchful Master:

"It behooveth them not to rest for a moment, "It behooveth them not to rest for a moment, neither to seek repose. They must disperse neither to seek repose. They must disperse themselves in every land, pass by every clime, themselves in every land, pass by every clime, and travel throughout all regions. Bestirred, and travel throughout all regions. Bestirred, without rest, and steadfast to the end, they without rest, and steadfast to the end, they must raise in every land the triumphal cry 'Ya-must raise in every land the triumphal cry 'Ya-Baha'u'l-Abha!' (O Thou the Glory of Glories)....Baha'u'l-Abha!' (O Thou the Glory of Glories)....

(Shoghi Effendi, letter to the American Believers (Shoghi Effendi, letter to the American Believers dated 24 Nov, 1924, Baha'i Administration, p. dated 24 Nov, 1924, Baha'i Administration, p. 68-69) 68-69)

Arise to Teach His CauseArise to Teach His Cause

Having grasped the significance of these words, Having grasped the significance of these words, having obtained a clear understanding of the having obtained a clear understanding of the true character of our mission, the methods to true character of our mission, the methods to adopt, the course to pursue, and having attained adopt, the course to pursue, and having attained sufficiently the individual regeneration -- the sufficiently the individual regeneration -- the essential requisite of teaching -- let us arise to essential requisite of teaching -- let us arise to teach His Cause with righteousness, conviction, teach His Cause with righteousness, conviction, understanding and vigor. Let this be the understanding and vigor. Let this be the paramount and most urgent duty of every Bahá'í. paramount and most urgent duty of every Bahá'í. Let us make it the dominating passion of our life.Let us make it the dominating passion of our life.

(Shoghi Effendi, letter to the American Believers (Shoghi Effendi, letter to the American Believers dated 24 Nov, 1924, Baha'i Administration, p. dated 24 Nov, 1924, Baha'i Administration, p. 68-69) 68-69)

Therein Lies the HopeTherein Lies the Hope

If we all choose to tread faithfully His path, surely the If we all choose to tread faithfully His path, surely the day is not far distant when our beloved Cause will day is not far distant when our beloved Cause will have emerged from the inevitable obscurity of a have emerged from the inevitable obscurity of a young and struggling Faith into the broad daylight young and struggling Faith into the broad daylight of universal recognition. This is our duty, our first of universal recognition. This is our duty, our first obligation. Therein lies the secret of the success of obligation. Therein lies the secret of the success of the Cause we love so well. Therein lies the hope, the Cause we love so well. Therein lies the hope, the salvation of mankind. Are we fully conscious of the salvation of mankind. Are we fully conscious of our responsibilities? Do we realize the urgency, the our responsibilities? Do we realize the urgency, the sacredness, the immensity, the glory of our task?sacredness, the immensity, the glory of our task?

(Shoghi Effendi, letter to the American Believers (Shoghi Effendi, letter to the American Believers dated 24 Nov, 1924, Baha'i Administration, p. 68-dated 24 Nov, 1924, Baha'i Administration, p. 68-69)69)

Beloved Guardian’s Beloved Guardian’s EntreatyEntreaty

I entreat you, dear friends, to continue, I entreat you, dear friends, to continue, nay, to redouble your efforts, to keep nay, to redouble your efforts, to keep your vision clear, your hopes undimmed, your vision clear, your hopes undimmed, your determination unshaken, so that your determination unshaken, so that the power of God within us may fill the the power of God within us may fill the world with all its glory.world with all its glory.

(Shoghi Effendi, letter to the American Believers (Shoghi Effendi, letter to the American Believers dated 24 Nov, 1924, Baha'i Administration, p. dated 24 Nov, 1924, Baha'i Administration, p. 68-69)68-69)