Calvin Face to Face

Back in 1981, I read these words: "the average local church in the U.S. barely has one nostril out of the water...and with Reformed churches in most cases, [they are] experiencing the same nosedive."

What's gone wrong? Why the nosedive?

That quote comes from Jack Miller's Evangelism and Your Church. Miller goes on to address what he calls a theology of missionary expectancy. And from what example does he draw to showcase missionary expectancy? Why, it's that staunch, crusty and doctrinaire Professor of Sacred Scripture-guy named John Calvin. It was the lofty scholar and trumpeter of Sovereign Election.

Miller writes, "Calvin was not slow to translate his own missionary vision into action. During the years 1555 to 1562, 88 men were trained and commissioned by Calvin as pastors to France. Additional works established in Holland and Scotland by men trained by Calvin were greatly blessed. In Scotland, the response to Christ was so overwhelming that one contemporary observed that 'the sky rained men.'"

88 men trained for church ministry, church planting and missionary work.

Contemporary British pastor Erroll Hulse corroborates:

"There may have been more than 88. Historical research is hampered by the fact that everything in that period was done in a secretive way for security reasons. Also we must account for many short term missions into France. Those who were ordained and sent out as church planters were exceptionally gifted men…Of these missionaries those who were not already accredited pastors were obliged to conform to rigorous standards set up by Calvin. The moral life of the candidate, his theological integrity and his preaching ability were subject to careful examination. With regard to moral discipline a system was established by which the pastors were responsible to each other. There was an exacting code listing offences that were not to be tolerated in a minister. Offenses in money, dishonesty or sexual misconduct meant instant dismissal…Only when Calvin judged a man to possess the necessary fiber and stamina would he be sent into France to preach and plant churches. Each church began by a group gathering in a home, and then out of that a fully disciplined church would be constituted. Such was termed 'a dressed church'. In 1555 there was only one 'dressed church'. Seven years later, in 1562, there were 2150 such churches!"

See the article by Hulse, “John Calvin and His Missionary Enterprise.”

Pray for your pastor to be filled with the Holy Spirit, to be under the influence of the life-transforming message of Jesus Christ, and to preach and shepherd with the vision of missionary expectancy. "We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God." May 2 Corinthians 5:20 be our signature.

G. Mark Sumpter