The Inspirational Calvin - Part II

John Calvin was far more committed to world mission than most people realise.

Since the 16th Century Reformation numerous claims have been made that an emphasis on the sovereignty of God in Salvation and on the Doctrine of Election particularly create a lack of zeal in evangelism.

Calvinist (or ‘Reformed’) teaching, we’re told, hinders mission because if it’s dependant on God then why should we worry. If it’s ultimately up to God why bother? That’s how some of the great Bible truths about God’s Sovereignty are misrepresented and misapplied.

Let’s begin with Calvin. Was he laid-back about missions to other nations? Was he fatalistic? Did he even consider the importance of church planting or was he merely busying himself with trying to fathom the mysteries of God’s sovereign and eternal decrees?

The simple fact is, that of all the well known Reformers, Calvin was by far the most focussed on missions and church planting. In fact, of them all, Calvin stands out as the notable exception. He strategically sent church-planters to other nations.

Most of the reformers were contending for the faith under immense pressure just in their own countries! Luther certainly was. Knox, in Scotland, was. So were Cranmer and Latimer in England. This is, of course, perfectly understandable.

But as Luther and other Reformers were struggling to establish the rediscovered truths of Scripture in their own nations, Calvin was propelled, by his necessary exile, into mission.

As Calvin’s leadership position in Geneva was established, he deliberately began to train and send literally hundreds of church planters from Geneva, mainly back into France. This was his response to the rejection of the Gospel by the French authorities and to the needs of his own people.

In 1555 he planted his first Church in Poitiers. Over the next 7 years there were 1,750 ‘Calvinist’ Churches planted in France. This represents the development of a vibrant new church movement. The Protestant population of France increased rapidly! Some scholars suggest that close to half the population of France were drawn to the growing movement.

But the French weren’t the only recipients of Calvin’s missional zeal. He commissioned four church planters to go and preach the gospel to the Indians in Brazil. Yep, that’s right! John Calvin!

So, beginning with Calvin himself, we cannot agree that a Reformed view of Scripture necessarily produces apathy or lack of care in terms of missions and evangelism.

But, we will also see how those who have embraced a similar view of God in in His sovereignty, who have also been called ‘Calvinists’ have not done too badly in terms of world mission.

© 2009 Lex Loizides

To read more from Lex, visit his blog, which contains many short, inspirational stories and illustrations from church history.