Sixteenth-Century Mission

Did the Reformers lack a vision for missions?

In Sixteenth-Century Mission, a diverse cast of contributors explores the wide-reaching practice and theology of mission during this era. Rather than a century bereft of cross-cultural outreach, we find both Reformers and Roman Catholics preaching the gospel and establishing the church in all the world. This overlooked yet rich history reveals themes and insights relevant to the practice of mission today.

Robert L. Gallagher (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is a professor emeritus of intercultural studies at Wheaton College Graduate School. He is an ordained minister of the Australian National Council of CRC Churches International and the Christian and Missionary Alliance in the United States. He is coauthor of Encountering the History of Missions: From the Early Church to Today, Christ among the Nations: Narratives of Transformation in Global Mission, and Readings in Global Christianity: Post-Apostolic to 1800 AD.

Edward L. Smither (PhD, University of Wales-Trinity Saint David; PhD, University of Pretoria) is professor and dean of intercultural studies at Columbia International University. He spent fourteen years in intercultural ministry in North Africa, France, and the United States. He is author of numerous books, including Christian Mission: A Concise Global History.