10. The History of Missions in Calvin's Geneva - Reformed Missiology 101, Week 18

Introduction
• Brief Overview of the Reformation
- The rise of Protestantism
- Key figures: Martin
Luther, John Calvin
The Rise of Protestantism
A monumental movement in the 16th century
• Response to doctrinal, moral, and institutional issues within the Roman Catholic Church
• Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses in 1517
Key Figures: Martin Luther
• Martin Luther (1483-1546)
• - Doctrine of justification by faith alone
• - Significant writings and teachings
• John Calvin (1509-1564)
- Institutes of the Christian Religion
- Leading reformer in Geneva
• Calvin's arrival in Geneva
• Geneva’s transformation into a center for Protestantism
• Invited by Guillaume Farelin 1536
• Challenges and initial expulsion
• Return to Geneva in 1541
Geneva's Transformation
• Ecclesiastical reforms
• The Academy of Geneva
• Social and civic reforms
• Geneva as a missionary center
John Calvin and His Vision for Missions Calvin's theological foundation
for missions
- Doctrine of predestination and the sovereignty of God
- The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)
Calvin’s Theological Foundation
• Doctrine of predestination
• Sovereignty of God
• Encouragement for missionary activity
Matthew 28:18-20
Universal scope of the Gospel
Evangelism and discipleship
Calvin’s Practical Approach to Missions
•Establishing the Academy of Geneva
•Training and sending missionaries
The Academy of Geneva
• Founding and purpose
• Curriculum focused on theology, languages, and pastoral training
Key Figures and Graduates
• Theodore Beza and other notable professors
• Prominent graduates: John Knox, among others
Missionary Efforts and Strategies
• Sending missionaries to France
• Experiences of the missionaries sent from Geneva into France
•The plight of the Huguenots
•Support for underground Protestant communities
• Persecution and danger • Underground churches and secret worship
• Training and equipping local leaders
Expansion into Other Regions
• The Netherlands, Germany, and England
• Missionary journeys to Brazil and Poland
The Mission to Brazil (1556-1558)
• Pierre Richer and his team of missionaries
• Challenges and setbacks faced in Brazil
Rev. John Owen Butler
The Lord's Seminary
Reformed Missiology 101