A Brief History of Methods for Sending Baptist Missionaries
Introduction
In Chapter 3 of his insightful manual “MISSIONARY PARTNERSHIP”, author Ben David Sinclair delves into the historical background of Baptist missionary work. By tracing the origins of Baptist missions, Synclaire aims to provide a theoretical and historical framework for understanding and improving the current independent Baptist missionary-sending paradigm. This blog post summarizes the key points discussed in the chapter.
Early Persecution and Hidden Worship:
Prior to the seventeenth century, Baptist forebearers faced severe persecution and martyrdom for their faith. They were often forced to worship in secret, hidden away in caves and valleys of Piedmont and throughout Europe. The survival and personal worship of true believers took precedence over foreign missions.
Emergence of Foreign Missions:
The eighteenth century marked the beginning of significant developments in foreign missions. William Carey, often referred to as the "father of modern missions," played a crucial role in this era. Carey, a Baptist missionary to India, was part of the first Baptist missionary society, which was formed in 1792 in Kettering, England. This society, known as the Particular Baptist Society for Propagating the Gospel Amongst the Heathen, operated through intermittent gifts and annual subscriptions.
Formation of Missionary Organizations:
The story of Adoniram Judson, a Congregationalist missionary who became a Baptist in India, demonstrates the challenges faced by early Baptist missionaries. After being immersed in baptism, Judson and his wife were left unsupported and unrecognized. In response, Luther Rice, another American Congregationalist coworker, returned to the United States to raise awareness and support for Baptist missions. In 1814, the General Convention of the Baptist Denomination in the United States for Foreign Missions was established in Philadelphia, serving as the first nationwide Baptist missions agency.
Division and Emergence of Independent Boards:
The issue of slavery in the mid-nineteenth century led to the division of the Triennial Convention. In 1840, the American Baptist Anti-Slavery Convention was formed in New York, followed by the establishment of the Southern Baptist Convention and the Foreign Mission Board in Augusta, Georgia, in 1845. As the nineteenth century progressed, liberal ideologies infiltrated many conventions and missionary societies, prompting conservative, interdenominational "faith missions" to emerge.
Fundamentalist Movement and Independent Baptist Mission Boards:
The early twentieth century witnessed the rise of the Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy, which had a significant impact on foreign missions. The battle between fundamentalists and liberals, particularly concerning doctrinal fidelity, led to the birth of the Fundamental Fellowship and the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches (GARBC) in the 1920s and 1930s. Independent Baptist mission boards began to proliferate, offering an alternative to interdenominational "faith missions" that had drifted towards ecumenical evangelism.
The Current Landscape:
The exact number of local church agencies, Baptist clearinghouses, and independent Baptist mission boards operating today is challenging to determine. Estimates suggest that there are over five thousand independent Baptist missionaries globally, with some sources projecting around ten thousand missionaries from the independent Baptist community. These new mission boards require missionaries to engage in the biblical practice of deputation, involving personal interaction with local churches to share their needs and foster prayer support.
Conclusion:
Understanding the historical context of Baptist missionary work sheds light on the current methods and paradigms employed by independent Baptist missionaries. Through a brief historical overview, the article highlights the importance of deputation and furlough in motivating local churches to actively participate in the Great Commission. The subsequent chapter of the manual will explore and evaluate different sending models used in Baptist missions, building upon the foundations laid by centuries of Baptist missionary efforts.
If you're passionate about missions and eager to delve into the biblical and historical foundations of missionary work, I highly recommend getting your hands on a copy of "MISSIONARY PARTNERSHIP - A Brief Biblical Theology of Missions, Deputation, and Partnership" by Ben David Sinclair. This book provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the principles and practices behind missions, deputation, and partnership in a concise yet impactful manner. With insightful analysis and a deep understanding of Baptist missionary history, Sinclair guides readers through the theological underpinnings and practical implications of these crucial aspects of missionary work. Whether you're a missionary, church leader, or simply someone interested in missions, this book is sure to inform, inspire, and challenge you to engage more fully in the Great Commission. Don't miss out on the valuable insights and wisdom contained within these pages – grab your copy of "MISSIONARY PARTNERSHIP" today and embark on a journey towards a deeper understanding of missions and its vital role in the global Church.