History of Christian Missions (Full)

1. History of Christian Missions Robert Munson Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary

2. Contents This presentation was originally a series of presentations for a BTh program at Faith Bible College in Norfolk, Virginia (USA). Sadly, FBC closed its doors in 2025. Therefore, I decided to combine the presentations into an E-Book or sorts. This, as all History presentations is limited. Nevertheless, I hope it is helpful to you and inspire you to learn more. Many parts of this presentation are guided by Ruth Tucker’s book “From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya,” and this book was meant to be utilized in conjunction with these presentations.

3. Mission Movements Mission Movements of the Church Age of the Church Age Chapter One www.munsonmissions.org

4. Some Presumptions Regarding Some Presumptions Regarding Christian Missions Christian Missions God is at work at all times and places (Missio Dei). God is at work at all times and places (Missio Dei). God primarily works through the church, and calls the God primarily works through the church, and calls the church to do His work (Missiones Ecclesiae) church to do His work (Missiones Ecclesiae) God has not stopped in His Work and the church has God has not stopped in His Work and the church has never ceased to be God primary vehicle for His Work. never ceased to be God primary vehicle for His Work.   

5. Expectations for this Class Expectations for this Class Expect to learn many inspiring stories of Expect to learn many inspiring stories of inspiring people. inspiring people. Also expect to learn of bad things done--- Also expect to learn of bad things done--- often by good people with good motives. often by good people with good motives. We can learn from both good examples and We can learn from both good examples and bad examples. bad examples.   

6. Why Study History? Why Study History? Mark Nolls suggests 5 reasons for studying Mark Nolls suggests 5 reasons for studying Church History (Missions History is essentially Church History (Missions History is essentially Church History that is primarily outside of the Church History that is primarily outside of the church’s walls and hierarchy). church’s walls and hierarchy). <Mark Noll's book, Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity, 3rd edition (Baker, 2012)>

7. #1. We are the Church of History (and the #1. We are the Church of History (and the Missions of History) Missions of History) The church, the body of Christ, exists, not only in space, but in time. You and I are in the same (universal) church, but so are you and I and Augustine of Hippo, and Polycarp, and Martin Luther, and Amy Carmichael, and … To understand the church, we need to understand more than just “the Now.”

8. #2. Helps Us Understand Orthodoxy #2. Helps Us Understand Orthodoxy Versus Heterodoxy Versus Heterodoxy The Bible was written into a historical context, and the Bible is a book of history. The Bible and interpretation of it was passed on to us through history. Cults typically use Christians' ignorance of history to try to lead them astray. <Also tests good ideas versus bad ideas in missions.>

9. #3. We Can Learn from Successes #3. We Can Learn from Successes and Failures of the Past and Failures of the Past We are blessed with nearly 2000 years of We are blessed with nearly 2000 years of experiences of Christians in different cultures experiences of Christians in different cultures and circumstances, with regards to ministry, and circumstances, with regards to ministry, relationships, and contexualization of theology. relationships, and contexualization of theology. To intentionally remain ignorant, and not take To intentionally remain ignorant, and not take advantage of such a wealth of knowledge, is advantage of such a wealth of knowledge, is wasteful. wasteful.

10. #4. #4. Help Us to Recognize the Help Us to Recognize the Essentials Essentials As we see the diversity of the church, in different points of time, in different cultures, among different peoples, we sense of what is truly important for us and the church. It can also help us to see that we have freedom to connect our church with our culture and time-- not to discover the first century church, but to create the 21st century church.

11. #5. Give Us Hope #5. Give Us Hope God has been with the church for two millenia. As we see Him guide the church through political and social upheavals, through heresies, and persecutions, we can have confidence that God is with us now and that He is still, ultimately, in control.

12. The First Christian The First Christian Missionary Was... Jesus Missionary Was... Jesus Christ Christ

13. Four “Waves” of Protestant Missions Four “Waves” of Protestant Missions I believe Ralph Winter first came up with the three waves of Protestant Missions. It is useful, but I feel now it is in need of update.

14. World A: Completely unreached by the Gospel message. World A: Completely unreached by the Gospel message. World B: Gospel is available but not responded to positively World B: Gospel is available but not responded to positively World C: World of those who identify as “Christian. World C: World of those who identify as “Christian. This also came frmo Patrick Johnstone “The Church is Bigger Than You Think” This also came frmo Patrick Johnstone “The Church is Bigger Than You Think”

15. Why Study Mission History and not Why Study Mission History and not just Church History? just Church History? Frankly, it is good to study both. However, church history tends to focus on Frankly, it is good to study both. However, church history tends to focus on Creeds Councils Creeds Councils Conflicts Controversies Conflicts Controversies … that existed in the church community and in societies that are strongly … that existed in the church community and in societies that are strongly affected by the church. affected by the church. Little is normally given to other areas like how life in the church, theology, local Little is normally given to other areas like how life in the church, theology, local ministry, worship, and discipleship changed over time. And even less is ministry, worship, and discipleship changed over time. And even less is given to what happens outside of the church community (such as in the given to what happens outside of the church community (such as in the mission field). mission field).

16. Missions of the First Missions of the First Three Centuries Three Centuries Lecture by Robert Munson. www.munsonmissions.org

17. The First Christian The First Christian Missionary Was... Jesus Missionary Was... Jesus Christ Christ Chapter 2 www.munsonmissions.org

18. Missionary Method--Jesus Missionary Method--Jesus

19. Great Commissions Great Commissions Matthew 28:19-20 Matthew 28:19-20 Mark 16:15-16 Mark 16:15-16 Luke 24:46-47 Luke 24:46-47 John 20:21 John 20:21 Acts 1:7-8 Acts 1:7-8 Acts 26:16/18 Acts 26:16/18 Each emphasize something a bit different Each emphasize something a bit different

20. Something to Try: Bring the Great Something to Try: Bring the Great Commissions Together Into One Commissions Together Into One Statement. Here is an example: Statement. Here is an example: I have sent you, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to be witnesses of me everywhere. You Spirit, to be witnesses of me everywhere. You will make new disciples, preaching the good will make new disciples, preaching the good news of repentance, forgiveness of sin, and news of repentance, forgiveness of sin, and release from Satan’s release from Satan’s control. control. I have sent you, empowered by the Holy

21. Jesus calls His Disciples something Jesus calls His Disciples something new: “Apostles” new: “Apostles” The Term “Apostolos” generally translates as “Sent The Term “Apostolos” generally translates as “Sent Out Ones.” It carries the idea of an ambassador who Out Ones.” It carries the idea of an ambassador who carries the message from one Kingdom to another. carries the message from one Kingdom to another. The role is quite similar to a “Missionary” today and The role is quite similar to a “Missionary” today and the term “missionary” comes from the Latin the term “missionary” comes from the Latin equivalent of the Greek word for Apostle. equivalent of the Greek word for Apostle.

22. The New Testament Describes Many as The New Testament Describes Many as Apostles: Apostles:  Paul I Cor. 9:1  Barnabas (and Paul) Acts 14:3-4  Andronicus Rom. 16:7  Junias Rom. 16:7  Epaphroditus Phil. 2: 25  Unnamed brethren II Cor. 8 :23-24  Silas and Timothy (and Paul) I Thess. 2:6  Apollos (by implication in I Cor. 4) The 12 disciples Luke 6:13  Matthias Acts 1:24-26 <Paul also speaks of “Super Apostles” and “False Apostles”>

23. Apostles in the Didache Apostles in the Didache Apostles are Churchplanters Apostles are Churchplanters They can visit established churches but not stay there. They can visit established churches but not stay there. They appeared to be somewhat similar to Prophets, They appeared to be somewhat similar to Prophets, who were seen as traveling preachers. The difference who were seen as traveling preachers. The difference being that prophets minister to established churches. being that prophets minister to established churches. Apostles go where there are no churches and establish Apostles go where there are no churches and establish churches. churches.

24. Some have believed that “The Twelve” went to the whole world, meaning that the Great Some have believed that “The Twelve” went to the whole world, meaning that the Great Commission (Acts 1:8) was already completed and the role of Apostle (sharing the Commission (Acts 1:8) was already completed and the role of Apostle (sharing the Gospel beyond borders) had ceased. Gospel beyond borders) had ceased. --Ruth Tucker, “From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya” --Ruth Tucker, “From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya”

25. Change of Meaning of Apostle in the Age of Change of Meaning of Apostle in the Age of the Apostolic Fathers the Apostolic Fathers In the 2 In the 2nd century, the term “Apostle” started to become synonymous with “The Twelve” and Paul. synonymous with “The Twelve” and Paul. People who acted as apostles (going out and planting People who acted as apostles (going out and planting churches) were described as Evangelists or “Teachers churches) were described as Evangelists or “Teachers of Christianity.” of Christianity.” Generally, over time, the role of apostle or Generally, over time, the role of apostle or churchplanter shrunk as the role of pastor or bishop churchplanter shrunk as the role of pastor or bishop grew in importance. grew in importance. nd century, the term “Apostle” started to become

26. Early Missionaries of the Church Early Missionaries of the Church The first Christian that appeared to act in a way that we think is The first Christian that appeared to act in a way that we think is similar to missionaries is Philip the Evangelist. (Most likely, he was similar to missionaries is Philip the Evangelist. (Most likely, he was called evangelist to distinguish him from Philip the Apostle.) He went called evangelist to distinguish him from Philip the Apostle.) He went to Samaria to evangelize, ministered to the Ethiopian eunuch, and to Samaria to evangelize, ministered to the Ethiopian eunuch, and then settled in Cesarea. then settled in Cesarea. Peter and John joined Philip in Samaria. Later, Peter traveled to and Peter and John joined Philip in Samaria. Later, Peter traveled to and evangelized the Gentile Cornelius. Peter later ministered in Antioch, evangelized the Gentile Cornelius. Peter later ministered in Antioch, and (probably) in Mesopotamia and Rome. John appears to have and (probably) in Mesopotamia and Rome. John appears to have later ministered in Ephesus. later ministered in Ephesus.

27. Other Missionaries of Note Other Missionaries of Note Barnabas, ministered in Jerusalem and Antioch. Later, Barnabas, ministered in Jerusalem and Antioch. Later, he trained Paul, and the two were sent out to minister in he trained Paul, and the two were sent out to minister in parts of Cyprus and Asia Minor. Later, he trained John parts of Cyprus and Asia Minor. Later, he trained John Mark and served more in Cyprus. Mark and served more in Cyprus. Paul, ministered in Tarsus and Antioch, before his three Paul, ministered in Tarsus and Antioch, before his three primary missionary journeys. Partnered with many primary missionary journeys. Partnered with many including Timothy, Luke, and Silas. including Timothy, Luke, and Silas.

28. Other Missionaries of Note Other Missionaries of Note John Mark. Early on served with Paul and John Mark. Early on served with Paul and Barnabas. Appears to have served later with Barnabas. Appears to have served later with Peter. Church History suggests that he later Peter. Church History suggests that he later ministered in Egypt. ministered in Egypt. Thomas. According to church tradition (and Thomas. According to church tradition (and some historical evidence) appears to have some historical evidence) appears to have served in Mesopotamia and in India. served in Mesopotamia and in India.

29. As noted before, with the end of the first century, As noted before, with the end of the first century, the role of the formal missionary declined the role of the formal missionary declined (although never fully ended). It began to grow (although never fully ended). It began to grow again in the fourth century. again in the fourth century. Much outreach was done by Much outreach was done by 1. Martyrs (ex. Polycarp) 1. Martyrs (ex. Polycarp) 2. Apologists (ex. Aristides, Justin Martyr) 2. Apologists (ex. Aristides, Justin Martyr) 3. Helps Ministries (such as during plagues) 3. Helps Ministries (such as during plagues) 4. The “Common People.” 4. The “Common People.”

30. Quoting Adoph Harnack Quoting Adoph Harnack It was characteristic of this religion that everyone who seriously confessed the faith proved It was characteristic of this religion that everyone who seriously confessed the faith proved of service to its propaganda. Christians are to “let their light shine, that pagans may see of service to its propaganda. Christians are to “let their light shine, that pagans may see their good works and glorify the Father in heaven.” If this dominated all their life, and if their good works and glorify the Father in heaven.” If this dominated all their life, and if they lived according to the precepts of their religion, they could not be hidden at all; by they lived according to the precepts of their religion, they could not be hidden at all; by their very mode of living they could not fail to preach their faith plainly and audibly. ... their very mode of living they could not fail to preach their faith plainly and audibly. ... We cannot hesitate to believe that the great mission of Christianity was in reality We cannot hesitate to believe that the great mission of Christianity was in reality accomplished by means of informal missionaries. Justin says so quite explicitly. What won accomplished by means of informal missionaries. Justin says so quite explicitly. What won him over was the impression made by the moral life which he found among Christians in him over was the impression made by the moral life which he found among Christians in general. general. < <“Mission and Expansion of Christianity in the First “Mission and Expansion of Christianity in the First Three Centuries,” 1908 translated edition. This quote is from Volume Three Centuries,” 1908 translated edition. This quote is from Volume 3, chapter 1 (section 366-369).> 3, chapter 1 (section 366-369).>

31. Missions of the Late Missions of the Late Roman Era Roman Era Chapter 3 www.munsonmissions.org

32. Christianity was a religion without social or Christianity was a religion without social or political power for the first three centuries. political power for the first three centuries. However, things changed, especially However, things changed, especially politically, starting in the 4 politically, starting in the 4th th century. century.

33. ---301AD. Christianity became the state religion of ---301AD. Christianity became the state religion of Armenia. Armenia. ---311AD. Emperor Constantine gave full religious freedom ---311AD. Emperor Constantine gave full religious freedom to Christianity, and unofficial favored status. to Christianity, and unofficial favored status. ---325AD. the Council of Nicea, Bishops from all over the ---325AD. the Council of Nicea, Bishops from all over the Empire joined, with Emperor Constantine joining as (self- Empire joined, with Emperor Constantine joining as (self- described) “Bishop to Bishops”) described) “Bishop to Bishops”) ---380AD. Nicene Christianity becomes the state religion of ---380AD. Nicene Christianity becomes the state religion of the Roman Empire the Roman Empire

34. Two Developments Start Around This Two Developments Start Around This This Time Affecting Missions This Time Affecting Missions #1. Monastic Movement. #1. Monastic Movement. Many became disappointed by Many became disappointed by the loss of holiness in the church as Christianity became the loss of holiness in the church as Christianity became socially popular to join due to its favored status in the socially popular to join due to its favored status in the Emperor. Initially this involved separation from the church Emperor. Initially this involved separation from the church and the world in general. and the world in general. Over time, many later began to reenter society to revitalize Over time, many later began to reenter society to revitalize the church and to serve as missionaries. the church and to serve as missionaries.

35. Two Developments Start Around This Two Developments Start Around This This Time Affecting Missions This Time Affecting Missions #2. Missionary Bishops. #2. Missionary Bishops. Bishops in the latter Roman Bishops in the latter Roman Empire often had considerable power and financial Empire often had considerable power and financial resources. resources. Some would assign other bishops to minister in areas where Some would assign other bishops to minister in areas where there were no Christians. As such, they’re job was to act there were no Christians. As such, they’re job was to act as an evangelizer, church planter, and (eventually) bishop as an evangelizer, church planter, and (eventually) bishop overseeing churches in a newly reached region. overseeing churches in a newly reached region.

36. The Hostile State (Roman Empire) helped create a Sacrificial and Holy The Hostile State (Roman Empire) helped create a Sacrificial and Holy Church. Church. The Conflict of the two created an Imperial and Superficial Church. The Conflict of the two created an Imperial and Superficial Church. This Church helped create a Reactionary Monastic Movement. This Church helped create a Reactionary Monastic Movement. The Movement helped create a Monastic (and more Missional) Church. The Movement helped create a Monastic (and more Missional) Church.

37. Notable: Ulfilas Notable: Ulfilas Ulfilas: (311AD-381AD) Ulfilas: (311AD-381AD) -Sent out as a Missionary Bishop to -Sent out as a Missionary Bishop to the Goths. the Goths. -Translated most of the Bible into the -Translated most of the Bible into the Goth language. (Perhaps first Goth language. (Perhaps first translation of the Bible done primarily translation of the Bible done primarily for the purpose of spreading the faith.) for the purpose of spreading the faith.) -Was Arian in doctrine (or at least a -Was Arian in doctrine (or at least a mild form of Arianism). Can we learn mild form of Arianism). Can we learn from people with different beliefs? from people with different beliefs? -”Apostle to the Goths” -”Apostle to the Goths”

38. Notable: Frumentius and Aedeius Notable: Frumentius and Aedeius Frumentius (died 380AD) was a Phoenician who was captured Frumentius (died 380AD) was a Phoenician who was captured (around 340AD) by the Ethiopians along with Aedeius. (around 340AD) by the Ethiopians along with Aedeius. Shared the Christian faith with leaders and people. Encouraged Shared the Christian faith with leaders and people. Encouraged the Coptic Church to send missionaries around 347AD. the Coptic Church to send missionaries around 347AD. Frumentius became a bishop to Ethiopia, and both he and Frumentius became a bishop to Ethiopia, and both he and Aedeius were later canonized. Aedeius were later canonized. Ethiopia (Abyssinia) has been a stronghold of the Christian faith Ethiopia (Abyssinia) has been a stronghold of the Christian faith ever since. ever since.

39. Notable: Missionaries to the British Notable: Missionaries to the British Isles Isles Ninian, Brigid, and Patrick are Ninian, Brigid, and Patrick are Christians who were from British Christians who were from British Isles and reached out to their own Isles and reached out to their own people or of another group is the people or of another group is the region. region. Augustine (not Augustine of Hippo) Augustine (not Augustine of Hippo) was sent by Rome to England was sent by Rome to England

40. Notables: Pope Gregory Notables: Pope Gregory There was little missional work in the There was little missional work in the 5 5th th and 6 and 6th th centuries (400s and centuries (400s and 500s). Things began to improve 500s). Things began to improve into the 7 into the 7th th century (600s) century (600s) Gregory was born around 540AD. In Gregory was born around 540AD. In his 30s he renounced the world his 30s he renounced the world and became a monk. In 590AD he and became a monk. In 590AD he was elected as Pope of the was elected as Pope of the Roman Church. He served until Roman Church. He served until 604AD. 604AD.

41. Pope Gregory (the Great) Pope Gregory (the Great) -- Wrote book on Pastoral Care that has been influential -- Wrote book on Pastoral Care that has been influential for centuries. for centuries. -- Supported sending a monk (Augustine) to Great Britain -- Supported sending a monk (Augustine) to Great Britain to convert the pagans. to convert the pagans. --Established the model for “Accommodation”-- adapting --Established the model for “Accommodation”-- adapting the Christian faith to pagan work. the Christian faith to pagan work. --The British Mission Project (around 600AD) was the first --The British Mission Project (around 600AD) was the first major mission work of the Roman Catholic Church. major mission work of the Roman Catholic Church.

42. Letter from Pope Gregory to Letter from Pope Gregory to Milletus (601AD) Milletus (601AD) “The heathen temples of these people need not be destroyed, only the idols which are to be found in them… If the temples are well built, it s a good idea to detach them from the service of the devil, and to adapt them for the worship of the true God… And since the people are accustomed, when they assemble for sacrifice, to kill many oxen in sacrifice to the devils, it seems reasonable to appoint a festival for the people by way of exchange. The people must learn to slay their cattle not in honour of the devil, but in honour of God and for their own food; when they have eaten and are full, then they must render thanks to the giver of all good things. If we allow them these outward joys, they are more likely to find their way to the true inner joy… It is doubtless impossible to cut off all abuses at once from rough hearts, just as the man who sets out to climb a high mountain does not advance by leaps and bounds, but goes upward step by step and pace by pace.” (A History of Christian Missions by Stephen Neill, London: Penguin Books, 1990), pg 58 (A History of Christian Missions by Stephen Neill, London: Penguin Books, 1990), pg 58

43. Moving Forward into the 7 Moving Forward into the 7th th Century and Beyond and Beyond After the lull in missions during the 5 After the lull in missions during the 5th th and 6 centuries, missions in the latter part of the first centuries, missions in the latter part of the first millennium began to expand with major missions millennium began to expand with major missions movements: movements: ---Nestorian Missions (Asia) ---Nestorian Missions (Asia) ---Slavic Missions (Central Europe) ---Slavic Missions (Central Europe) ---Celtic Missions ---Celtic Missions Century and 6th th

44. First Millennium Missions First Millennium Missions Movements Movements (7th-11th centuries) (7th-11th centuries) Chapter 4 www.munsonmissions.org

45. 7 7th th Century Century The Islamic Invasion starting in the 7 The Islamic Invasion starting in the 7th th century led to many Christians now being ruled by led to many Christians now being ruled by Muslim Invaders. Muslim Invaders. This did not initially hurt Christian growth. It This did not initially hurt Christian growth. It may have actually helped. may have actually helped. Major mission work done by the Nestorian Major mission work done by the Nestorian Church, Orthodox Church, and Celtic Church Church, Orthodox Church, and Celtic Church dominate the latter part of the 1 dominate the latter part of the 1st st Millennium. century Millennium.

46. #1. Nestorian Missions #1. Nestorian Missions  The early church wrestled as to the nature of Jesus Christ The early church wrestled as to the nature of Jesus Christ leading to several groups: leading to several groups: ---Nestorianism (2 natures/1 person) ---Nestorianism (2 natures/1 person) ---Monophytism (1 nature/ 1 person) ---Monophytism (1 nature/ 1 person) ---Miaphytism and Orthodox (in between the above two) ---Miaphytism and Orthodox (in between the above two) <Although the term “heresy” has been thrown around with these terms, all of these views accept both the deity and humanity of terms, all of these views accept both the deity and humanity of Jesus.> Jesus.>  <Although the term “heresy” has been thrown around with these

47. Missions in the Asia Missions in the Asia The “Nestorian Church” (or “Church of the The “Nestorian Church” (or “Church of the East”) was the greatest missionary force East”) was the greatest missionary force during much of the 1 during much of the 1st st Millennium. The work started in Syria and Mesopotamia, and moved Eastward along the overland and moved Eastward along the overland traderoutes toward the Far East. traderoutes toward the Far East. Millennium. The work started in Syria and Mesopotamia,

48. Traderoutes Traderoutes

49. By 635 AD, the Church reached By 635 AD, the Church reached China China The Nestorian Stele was erected in 781AD to The Nestorian Stele was erected in 781AD to commemorate 150 years of Christianity in China. commemorate 150 years of Christianity in China. Nestorian missionary priests would partner with Nestorian missionary priests would partner with traders to establish schools, hospitals, libraries, and traders to establish schools, hospitals, libraries, and churches, along the Central Asian traderoutes. churches, along the Central Asian traderoutes. Hostility from Chinese and Muslim leaders greatly Hostility from Chinese and Muslim leaders greatly hurt the Nestorian church in in the 2 hurt the Nestorian church in in the 2nd their story is an inspiration for us today. their story is an inspiration for us today.    nd millenium, but millenium, but

50. Celtic Missions Celtic Missions  Patrick. 390AD-460AD. British youth captured Patrick. 390AD-460AD. British youth captured by Irish pirates. Later released back to Britain, but by Irish pirates. Later released back to Britain, but then traveled back to Ireland to evangelize. then traveled back to Ireland to evangelize. The Celtic Church was a Western Church movement that was not under the control of the movement that was not under the control of the Roman Catholic Church, but also did not see Roman Catholic Church, but also did not see itself as in competition with it. itself as in competition with it. Its Mission Arm was centered in the Monastery on the Isle of Iona off the coast of Scotland. on the Isle of Iona off the coast of Scotland.  The Celtic Church was a Western Church  Its Mission Arm was centered in the Monastery