Book Recommendations on Missionary Movements
- To the Ends of the Earth: A History of Christian Missions by David J. Bosch
- Christian Mission in the Modern Era by Timothy Tennent
- The Missionary Movement in Christian History by Andrew F. Walls
- From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya: A Biographical History of Christian Missions by Ruth Tucker
- The Legacy of William Carey: A Model for the Transformation of a Culture by Vishal Mangalwadi
Click the title to view the book on Amazon.
A Century of Global Evangelism
The 19th century witnessed an unprecedented expansion of missionary activity, as Christians sought to fulfill the Great Commission on a global scale. This era, often referred to as the Great Century of Missions, was characterized by evangelism, education, and social reform, profoundly shaping Christianity’s global presence.
This article explores the missionary movements of the 19th century, examining their motivations, methods, and legacy.
Motivations for Missionary Expansion
Spiritual Revival
The missionary movements were fueled by the spiritual awakening of the 18th and early 19th centuries, including the Second Great Awakening in America and revival movements in Europe. These awakenings emphasized personal conversion, global evangelism, and the urgency of Christ’s return.
Theological Convictions
- The Great Commission: Missionaries viewed Matthew 28:19–20 as a direct mandate to spread the gospel to all nations.
- Postmillennial Optimism: Many believed that global evangelization would hasten Christ’s millennial reign.
Social and Political Context
The expansion of European empires facilitated missionary activity by providing access to previously unreached regions. Advances in transportation and communication further enabled global outreach.
Key Missionary Movements and Figures
The Protestant Missionary Movement
Protestant missions were marked by the formation of societies dedicated to global evangelism.
- William Carey: Known as the “Father of Modern Missions,” Carey founded the Baptist Missionary Society in 1792 and served in India, translating the Bible into multiple languages.
- Hudson Taylor: Founded the China Inland Mission, emphasizing cross-cultural adaptation and reaching the interior regions of China.
- Adoniram Judson: The first American missionary to Burma, Judson translated the Bible into Burmese and established churches.
The Catholic Missionary Revival
Catholic missions, revitalized by the Counter-Reformation, expanded in the 19th century through orders like the Jesuits, Dominicans, and Franciscans.
- Pierre-Jean De Smet: A Jesuit missionary who worked among Native American tribes in North America.
- The Society of the Divine Word: Focused on evangelizing Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Women in Missions
The 19th century saw the emergence of women as significant contributors to missionary work.
- Mary Slessor: A Scottish missionary in Nigeria who advocated for the rights of women and children.
- Lottie Moon: A Southern Baptist missionary to China who inspired generations of mission support through her letters and advocacy.
Missionary Methods and Contributions
Evangelism and Church Planting
Missionaries prioritized preaching the gospel, planting churches, and training indigenous leaders to sustain Christian communities.
Education
Missionary schools were established to provide literacy and education, often incorporating Christian teachings.
- Impact: Literacy programs enabled Bible translation and reading, fostering both spiritual and societal transformation.
Social Reform
Missionaries often addressed social issues such as slavery, poverty, and women’s rights.
- Abolition of Slavery: Many missionaries, particularly in Africa, worked to combat the slave trade and promote human dignity.
- Healthcare: Mission hospitals provided medical care, emphasizing holistic ministry.
Challenges and Critiques
Cultural Imperialism
Critics argue that missionary activity sometimes imposed Western cultural norms, leading to the erosion of indigenous traditions.
Resistance and Persecution
Missionaries often faced opposition from local authorities, religious leaders, and colonial powers.
Internal Tensions
Differing theological and methodological approaches within mission societies occasionally hindered efforts.
Legacy of the 19th-Century Missionary Movements
Global Christian Expansion
The missionary movements contributed significantly to the growth of Christianity in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Today, these regions are vibrant centers of global Christianity.
Translation and Preservation
Missionaries translated the Bible into hundreds of languages, preserving linguistic and cultural heritage.
Social Transformation
Missionary efforts in education, healthcare, and social reform left a lasting impact on societies, fostering development and progress.
Faith Beyond Borders
The missionary movements of the 19th century exemplify the power of faith-driven action to transform lives and societies. While their legacy is complex, their commitment to spreading the gospel and serving humanity continues to inspire the church’s global mission.
