Guidelines for Protestant Missionaries, from 1664

Justinian Von Welz, a Protestant missiologist before all but a few Protestants even thought much about Christian Missions, wrote a treatise in 1664. The English translation of the title is “Christian and Sincere Admonition to All Orthodox Christians of the Augsburg Confession Concerning a Special Society through which with the Help of God Our Evangelical Religion May be Spread.”

Welz gives a number of guidances— both spiritual and practical— as to the life and behavior of missionaries. The following are a few as he describes them. Page numbers are from the book, “Essays by an Early Prophet of Mission” by James A. Scherer (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 1969) where I found the English translation of the treatise.

#1. A strong prayer life is key to mission work. “Therefore, dear reader, whoever will be used in the worthy activity of spreading the evangelical faith must be diligent in prayer in all his doings.” (page 70)

#2. The missionary must exhibit a godly life. “The other thing that all departing students should do is to allow the light of their devotion to shine in all places where they go— in their speech and conduct— according to the command of Christ.” (page 71)

#3. Given freedom to serve God freely according to his gifting. “In this society of followers of Jesus everything is done in free will, spontaneously without coercion. Everyone is to serve Jesus Christ our High Priest according to his ability. Everyone is to use his gifts, as they are entrusted to his stewardship, until the last day. (Page 71)

#4. Allow flexibility in terms of place and duration of ministry. “Everyone remains free to undertake this preaching office abroad for two, three, or more years, and if anyone wishes to return to his fatherland after that, or to travel to his own people, or take up a parish in Germany, nothing shall prevent him. If it happens, however, that a member of the society did well in a foreign place and hoped that he might be of further use, then I believe that he will not be able to answer for it at the last judgment if he leaves the congregation he has gathered. … This, too, should be noted, that a student is not bound to travel continuously from one city to another without ever settling down. No, that is not my intention. Rather, in the first place, where he does he may stay. But if he hears that something is to be done elsewhere, he may transfer there, or send an associate there, as Paul did. But frequent travels back and forth cannot accomplish much good.” (pages 70-71)

#5. The missionary candidate must be vetted carefully before being considered to be sent out. “… [D]iligent inquiry is to take place regarding how a student has behaved in other palces, which he must demonstrate through the testimony of his ruler and his pastor. For a drunkard, or a man who leads a scandalous life, seduces women, engages in frivolous talk, or curses and swears, cannot be a disciple of Christ or administer this office. With his wicked life he would more hinder the course of the gospel than advance it, however learned he may be, or gifted as a talker.” (page 72)

#6. Don’t be a troublemaker or argumentative. “The young men should know that they are to act discreetly on the journey, not making themselves known in all places, also not beginning to convert inopportunely or engage in disputes, especially when one has learned from private conversation that nothing is to be gained.” (page 73)

#7. Be content and moderate in one’s living. “Certainly, pious students, if one wills to be content, he finds compassionate people everywhere. But if you want to live well, after the habits of the children of the world, have three or four well-cooked dishes on the table and lie in a soft bed— that requires a lot of money and such a degenerate fellow will never be contented. No matter who looks after his welfare he is frustrated, and frustrates the one who travels with him. Therefore it is best that one observe moderation in eating and drinking. For by a moderate and honorable life as much edification can be given as by much preaching. If the society members are peaceable, avoid quarreling, do not allow themselves to be tempted to prestige, and avoid avarice, they will gain respect, which will sustain them in their work.” (page 73)