Lecture Notes: Moravian Missionary Movement and its Influence

Overview

• Discussion on the Moravian Missionary Movement, a crucial but less numerically significant movement in Christian missions.
• Moravians inspired other Protestant movements, particularly the Wesleyan and Modern Mission Movements.
• Key focus on how Moravians influenced John Wesley and William Carey, pivotal figures in these movements.

John Wesley and the Moravians

Wesley's Initial Encounter

• 1736: John Wesley on a missionary journey to Georgia.
• Encounter with Moravians during a storm at sea; they were calm, singing hymns amidst danger.
• Wesley was impressed by their faith and lack of fear.

Influence in Georgia

• Wesley stayed with Moravians in Georgia even during a failed mission.
• Observed their work ethic, joy, and spiritual depth.
• Attended ordinations and was deeply moved by their community.

Wesleys' Spiritual Quest

• Wesley questioned his own faith, feeling a lack of assurance despite his religious background.
• He was inspired by the Moravians' deep piety and spiritual assurance.

Transformation

• 1738: Wesley experiences a spiritual awakening in Aldersgate Street, feeling his heart "strangely warmed."
• This experience was pivotal for the Methodist movement.

Visit to Herrnhut

• Visited Moravian community in 1738, witnessing their missionary zeal and community life.
• Wished to stay but felt called to work elsewhere.

William Carey and the Moravians

Background

• 1761: William Carey, born a poor English commoner.
• Influenced by Moravian missionary stories and journals of Captain Cook.

Formation of Missionary Ideas

• Carey was inspired by reading Moravian periodicals, realizing the scope of global missions.
• Advocated for active missionary efforts among Protestants.

Publication and Impact

• 1792: Published "An Inquiry into the Obligations of Christians to use Means for the Conversion of the Heathens."
• Argued for the obligation of Christians to engage in missions.
• Used Moravians as a model for plausibility of global missions.

Founding of Baptist Missionary Society

• Following his publications, Carey played a role in founding the Baptist Missionary Society.
• Carey became its first missionary, setting a precedent for future missions.

Modern Missionary Models

Historical Context

• Review of different missionary models:
  • Diasporic strategies, Merchant missionaries, Monastic missions in the medieval period.
  • Jesuit missions during colonial expansions.

Protestant Models

• Moravians: Local church community-driven missions.
• Baptist Society: Cooperative society for missions, pooling resources.

Impact

• Exponential growth in Protestant missions, from a few hundred missionaries to over 15,000 by mid-19th century.
• Influence led to the era known as "The Great Century" of Protestant missions.

Reflections on Historical Contingency

• Consideration of pivotal moments that could have changed the course of history:
  • Zinzendorf's decision to welcome Moravian refugees.
  • Wesley’s encounter with Moravians on the ship.
  • The publication of Moravian periodical accounts.

Conclusion

• The importance of divine appointments and human decisions in missionary history.
• Emphasis on William Carey's admonition to "expect great things from God" while making history through actions.

Closing Prayer

• Acknowledging God's sovereignty and calling to step out in faith, trusting in His guidance.