William Carey's concept of mission and its implications for the church in Africa

Abstract

This was a literary research that sought to investigate William Carey's concept of mission and to draw out possible areas of application for the missionary enterprise in contemporary Africa. The research was mainly conducted at the Tony Wilmot Memorial Library at the Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology (NEGST) and also at the libraries of the Nairobi International School of Theology and Daystar University Books and articles from various magazine and journal articles touching mainly on William Carey and various aspects of his life and ministry were studied. After a brief overview of his life, the study then focused on seven particular aspects of his wide-ranging ministry. These were first of all, his theology of missions and its grounding in the Bible. Second, his extensive work in Bible translation and the place of Bible translation ill Africa today. Third, his emphasis on the necessity of Unity and partnership in mission. Fourth, his active cultivation of national churches and indigenous leaders. Fifth, his integrated approach to mission. Sixth his conception of the missionary society and its relation to the church. Finally his attitude towards oulture and the missionary's handling of cultural issues. The relevant literature touching on all these issues was critically examined particularly in so far as they may apply to pertinent missiological issues that affect the continent of Africa today. The study revealed that though his Iife and work may seem to be far removed from Africa in terms or space and time, the church today can generally benefit by following his example particularly in relation to the seven afore-mentioned aspects.