2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the publication of Roland Allen’s Missionary Methods: St. Paul’s or Ours?. This work is a classic in mission literature. It has been a significant influence on countless missiologists, missionaries, pastors, and believers from all areas of the Kingdom.
For example, if you have ever heard of church planting movements, church growth, or missional churches, then you have encountered some of Allen’s influence. He was the man who often addressed the spontaneous expansion of the Church (and wrote a book about it), was one of the leading influences on Donald A. McGavran (father of the Church Growth Movement) and Leslie Newbigin (major influence behind the missional church movement).
Lord willing, some exciting matters will unfold next year in honor of the book’s anniversary. Missionary Methods is the theme for the 2012 January-March edition of the Evangelical Missions Quarterly. The 2012 theme for the Evangelical Missiological Society is missionary methods, with numerous papers being presented on this topic in several locations across the United States and Canada. Related to these presentations, Craig Ott and I are editing a book with William Carey Library. Exciting things are unfolding, and probably others of which I am not aware. Let me know if you come across other such matters.
I may even be releasing a book on Roland Allen later this year. Shhhhhh. 🙂
In light of this upcoming anniversary, I have set up a Twitter account: @RolandAllen100. Follow it. It contains a daily quote from Allen’s numerous writings.
If you are not aware of Allen and his missiology, check out these two previous posts: The Man and The Missiology.
Make sure you add Missionary Methods: St. Paul’s or Ours? to your 2012 reading list–even if you have read it.
Has Allen’s been an influence on you? If so, please share.
I have read many Missiological dissertations and everyone cites this book.