A Survey of Southern Baptist Mission History: With Special Reference to Africa and Zambia in Particular

Abstract

This research paper, A Survey of Southern Baptist Mission History: With Special Reference to Africa and Zambia in Particular by Ernst R. Wendland, provides a historical overview of Southern Baptist mission efforts, with a special focus on their work in Africa and Zambia. The paper begins with the formation of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) in 1845 and examines its mission emphasis, driven by the theological belief that every Baptist is called to be a missionary. The paper traces how this mission-centric ideology fueled the SBC’s foreign outreach, particularly in Africa, where Southern Baptists were among the first to establish large-scale missions.

The study delves into the SBC's mission activities in specific African countries, including Liberia, Nigeria, Ghana, and Zambia, examining the successes, challenges, and theological tensions that shaped their evangelistic efforts. Of particular focus is Zambia, where the SBC collaborated with local Baptist groups and established educational, medical, and evangelistic programs. Wendland explores how Southern Baptists contributed to the growth of indigenous churches and leadership development in Zambia and reflects on the broader implications for mission strategy in a rapidly changing African socio-political landscape.

This historical survey offers valuable insights into the role of the SBC in global missions, the development of Baptist theology in Africa, and the ongoing challenges and opportunities for evangelistic outreach on the continent.