“Calvin and his co-ministers at Geneva started selecting men and training them as missionaries. In the period between 1541 and 1564, it has been estimated that as many as 1200 of those missionaries were sent out from Geneva to France. The missionary thrust inherent in their theology, and the spiritual vision for the salvation of others which it generated ensured that Calvin - and his ministerial colleagues in Geneva - recognised, in the mountain pathways into France, doors of opportunity for spreading the gospel. In 1545, there were five Reformed churches in France. In 1559, there were almost 100. In 1562, the number had reached 2,150.” (Dr Flip Buys)
Does Calvinism kill missions? The evidence suggests something completely different. The facts below is just a handful of the many influential Calvinistic missionaries and leaders in the history of the church. Calvinists understand that God uses means to call His elect to salvation. Therefore, we don’t shy away from missions or evangelism. As history indicates, Calvinism actually encourages missions and evangelism. In fact, many of the greatest missionaries and leaders throughout the history of the church were Calvinists.
By studying church history one is struck by the immense impact Calvinism had on world missions. Below are some facts to confirm this:
- John Calvin: Calvin sent missionaries from Geneva into France and as far away as Brazil. Most of these young men sent to France died a martyr’s death, but the church of Geneva continued to send them.
- John Eliot: A missionary sent to the American Indians in the 1600’s. He is believed to be the first missionary among this people group. As many have said, if William Carey is the father of the modern mission’s movement, then John Eliot is its grandfather.
- David Brainerd: A missionary to the American Indians in the 1700’s. Many historians believe that he has sent more individuals into the mission field than any other person in the history of the church via his diary, An Account of the Life of the Late Reverend David Brainerd.
- Theodorus Frelinghuysen: The great evangelist and preacher, who set the stage for the First Great Awakening in the middle colonies.
- Jonathan Edwards: The great theologian, writer, and preacher of the First Great Awakening. He was also a missionary to the Indians.
- George Whitfield: The great voice and preacher of the First Great Awakening. He journeyed across the Atlantic Ocean thirteen times and scholars believe he preached over 18,000 sermons.
- William Tennent: He founded the Log College, which later became Princeton University. This college trained pastors and provided many of the revivalist preachers of the First Great Awakening.
- Samuel Davies: The famous President of the College of New Jersey (Princeton University), preacher of the First Great Awakening, and evangelist to the slaves of Virginia. It is believed that hundreds of slaves came to saving faith through his evangelism efforts.
- William Carey: He is the famous missionary to India and is considered the father of the modern mission’s movement.
- Robert Moffat: The first missionary to reach the interior of Africa with the Gospel. He translated the entire Bible and Pilgrim’s Progess into Setswana.
- David Livingstone: Arguably, the most famous missionary to the continent of Africa.
- Robert Morrison: The first Protestant missionary to China and the first to translate the Bible into Chinese.
- Peter Parker: An American physician and missionary to China who first introduced Western medical techniques to the Chinese. He also served as the president of the Medical Missionary Society of China.
- Adoniram Judson: The famous missionary to Burma, translated the Bible into Burmese, and established multiple Baptist Churches in Burma. His mission work led many to enter the mission field and was foundational for forming the first Baptist association in America.
- Charles Simeon: The vicar of Holy Trinity Church and the founding figure of the Church Missionary Society. This organization was instrumental in leading many students to the mission field. The Society itself has sent more than 9,000 missionaries into the world.
- Henry Martyn: The renowned missionary to India and Persia. He preached in the face of opposition and translated the New Testament into a number of languages.
- Samuel Zwemer: He is affectionately known as “The Apostle to Islam.” His legacy includes efforts in Bahrain, Arabia, Egypt, and Asia Minor. His writing was used by the Lord to encourage and mobilize an entire generation of missionaries to labor in Islamic countries.
- John Stott: Scholar, preacher, pastor, and evangelist of the twentieth century. He was one of the principle authors and the influential leader in establishing the Lausanne Covenant, which promoted world-wide evangelism.
- Francis Schaeffer: Pastor and found of L’Abri, which has been used by the Lord to draw many to saving faith as they intellectually wrestled with the tenants of Christianity.
- D. James Kennedy: The founder of Evangelism Explosion, which many believe is the most widely used evangelistic training curriculum in church history.
It is therefore my conclusion that Calvinism is the greatest source of missionary zeal because we understand that the sheep will hear the Shepherd's voice (John 10:26-28) and Christ will build His church (Matt. 16:18). Those who were given to Christ from before the foundation of the world will be drawn to Christ by the Holy Spirit and He will save them (John 6:44; Eph. 1:1-5; Rom. 8:29-30). These promises are a great source of hope in missions and evangelism.
Reference List:
1. Kevin DeYoung. 2013. Does Calvinism kill missions? http://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/kevindeyoung/2013/07/03/does-calvinism-kill-missions/
2. Buys, P.J. 2013. Mission Strategy and Theology of John Calvin. http://bit.ly/calvinism-and-mission
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