Is it important to know about missionaries from the past? Getting some laypersons to present biographies of missionary heroes of the past can be an excellent way to stimulate missions education. We did it in our church! A couple of presenters couldn’t get through their whole presentations without tears, they were so moved!
Here are some guidelines:
Have the volunteer/recruited presenter study the biography, probably starting with Ruth Tucker’s book “From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya” (an anthology of missionary biographies).
Tell them to concentrate on answers to the following:
General Outline for Missionary Biography
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When did this person live and what was the spiritual climate of his environment and upbringing?
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What were the formative influences and events which moved this person to serve God in missions?
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How did this person become equipped to serve God in missions?
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What were the unique characteristics of the people to whom he ministered? And with whom he ministered (his colleagues or missions sending agency)?
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What did he set out to do in ministry? And what did he actually spend most of his time and energy doing?
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What were the most significant challenges and achievements of his ministry?
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What was the most important legacy of his influence? I.e. – What did he do or what were his principles that continued to influence others after his death?
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What lesson/s might we learn from this great missionary?
Here’s a suggested list to start with (in chronological order):
Missionaries
Count Nicolaus Von Zinzendorf (1700-1760)
David Brainerd (1718-1747)
William Carey (1761-1834)
Adoniram Judson (1788-1850)
John Paton (1824-1907)
Hudson Taylor (1832-1905)
Charles Thomas (C.T.) Studd (1860-1931)
Here is a second set:
Missionaries
Samuel Zwemer 1867-1952
Lilias Trotter 1853-1928
Lottie Moon 1840-1912
Nate Saint 1923-1956
Cameron Townsend 1896-1982
Stan Dale (1916-1968) &
Phil Masters (1932-1968)
Viggo Olsen
Finally, here is a more comprehensive set to choose from:
Suggested Missionary Biographies
(Saint) Patrick
Raymond Lull
Nicolaus von Zinzendorf
David Brainerd
William Carey
Adoniram Judson
George & Sarah Boardman
Henry Martyn
Robert & Mary Moffat
David Livingstone
Mary Slessor
Robert Morrison
J. Hudson Taylor
Jonathan Goforth
John Paton
Lottie Moon
Gladys Aylward
Lilias Trotter
Helen Roseveare
John Mott
Samuel Zwemer
Viggo Olsen
Cameron Townsend
Paul Freed
Joy Ridderhof
Jim Elliott
Nate Saint
John & Betty Stam
Eric Lidell
Charles Marsh
David C. Meade
David C. Meade has been the founder, C-level officer, and consultant for a number of non-profit organizations. He has nearly fifty years of experience with church planting, pioneering field ministry among UPGs, and leadership in international and domestic NGOs. He has a strong biblical local-church-centric ministry philosophy and commitments, serving as an international outreach leader, pastor, and elder in local churches throughout his adult life. He loves teaching and mentoring church leaders and global workers preparing for service to meet the greatest need of the neediest places on earth.David is an international business consultant, NGO executive, and international leadership trainer. He has a weekly podcast and has authored hundreds of insightful and practical blogs, articles, and several books. David is a well-received speaker and teacher. His experience in non-profit leadership and international NGOs informs his counsel for leaders and workers in challenging areas of service, analyzing corporate strategies, conflict resolution, crisis management, and event leadership. David is passionate about core values based on timeless principles, valuing people, and leadership training. He is an avid family man, reader, fisherman, and world traveler.
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