Protestant mission movement

Winter claims that the Protestant missionary movement can be divided into three eras: the first beginning in 1792 with William Carey, the second beginning 1865 with Hudson Taylor, and the third beginning in 1934 with Cameron Townsend and Donald McGavran. Winter describes missionary efforts prior to 1792 by saying, “our Protestant tradition plugged along for over 250 years minding its own business and its own blessing (like Israel of old).”

It should be evident that a fourth era of missionary activity should be added to Winter’s scheme, beginning in 1544 when John Calvin sent his first missionaries to the Netherlands. While this era may seem small when compared to the movement begun by William Carey (a Calvinist), it still deserves its proper recognition in any history of Protestant missions.

This movement then develped the four stages in church-mission relationship.  In fact, Harold Fuller, a missionary with SIM (Serving in Mission), from whom I am a missionary as well, noted in his own books on the church-mission relationship some of Peter Wagner's four phases of missionary work and makes some helpful additions.

Phase one (evangelism) is titled Pioneer. At this stage the missionary provides leadership and does the ministry.

Phase two (church development) is titled Parent. Described as a period when the mission is providing teaching without paternalism.

Phase three (consultant) is titled Partner. Here the national church cares for its own internal matters.

Phase four (mission) is titled Participant. The mission may still remain, but "as long as the mission remains, it should use its gifts to strengthen the church."  It also allows that the mission should have moved onto other missions elsewhere.

 with William Carey, the second beginning 1865 with Hudson Taylor, and the third beginning ith Cameron Townsend and Donald McGavran. Winter describes missionary efforts prior to 1792 by saying, “our Protestant tradition plugged along for over 250 years minding its own business and its own blessing (like Israel of old).”[4