Lecture Notes: The Moravian Missionary Movement and Its Impact

Introduction

• Discussion on the Moravian Missionary Movement.
• Although not numerically impactful like the Jesuits or other movements, it sparked significant movements in Christian history.
• Moravians inspired two major Protestant missionary movements.

John Wesley and the Moravians (1736)

• John Wesley's first missionary journey to Georgia.
• Encounter with Moravians during a ship storm; they showed remarkable calm and faith.
• Inspired by their hymn service and lack of fear.
• Wesley's transformation through interaction with Moravians:
  • Stayed with Moravians in Georgia.
  • Impressed by their spirit, joy, perseverance.
  • Led to a deep self-reflection on his Christian faith.
  • Wesley's heart 'strangely warmed' at Aldersgate, feeling assurance of salvation.
• Wesley's further engagement with Moravians:
  • Visit to Herrnhut, witnessing their missionary zeal.
  • Profoundly impacted by their community and spiritual practice.

Impact on Wesleyan Movement

• Wesleyan piety influenced by Moravian spirituality.
• Led to the foundation of the Methodist movement.
• Wesleyan movement significantly shaped modern evangelicalism.

William Carey and the Moravian Influence (1761)

• Birth of William Carey, later known as the 'father of the modern mission movement.'
• Influenced by reading about Moravian missions.
• Published a manifesto in 1792 calling for active missionary work.
  • Argued against the passivity of Protestant missions.
  • Emphasized obligation to participate in global missions.
• Formation of the Baptist Missionary Society:
  • Carey was its first missionary, went to India.
  • Innovations in missionary strategy, support, and organization.

Review of Missionary Models

• Variety of historical missionary models:
  • Jewish diaspora, silk road merchants, missionary monks, Jesuits.
  • Modern models: local church-driven missions (Moravians) and missionary societies (Carey).

Protestant Missionary Expansion

• Significant growth in Protestant missions in the 19th century.
• From a few hundred missionaries to over 15,000 by the century's end.
• Many missionaries faced challenges and often little immediate success.
• Long-term impact often realized in the 20th century.

Reflection and Conclusion

• Contingency and sovereignty in history:
  • Key moments and decisions leading to significant historical impacts.
  • Sovereignty of God in orchestrating events.
• Influence of the Moravian movement on Wesleyan and modern mission movements.
• Call to "attempt great things for God, expect great things from God."