by Robert L. Niklaus
One might expect the biography of a mission administrator to be rather boring. Not so with this well-written volume from noted evangelical author Robert Niklaus. With energy, passion and candor, he tells the life story of one of the twentieth century’s great missionary statesmen, Dr. Louis L. King.
Christian Publications, Inc., 3825 Hartzdale Dr., Camp Hill, PA 17011, 2004, 345 pages, $11.24.
—Reviewed by Carl McGarvey, director for candidate development, The Christian and Missionary Alliance in the U.S.
One might expect the biography of a mission administrator to be rather boring. Not so with this well-written volume from noted evangelical author Robert Niklaus. With energy, passion and candor, he tells the life story of one of the twentieth century’s great missionary statesmen, Dr. Louis L. King.
L. L. King was a pastor, missionary, mission leader and eventually the president of The Christian and Missionary Alliance in his fifty-year career. This book is the compelling account of a highly disciplined spiritual leader who was able to navigate changing times and the conflicting expectations of various constituencies.
Written in the context of both secular and mission history, this narrative of King’s life is full of insights on the missionary task that are directly relevant to the questions we are asking today. How King managed to keep the C&MA movement focused on overseas missions in light of growing pressure to focus on denominational development is one such issue.
More significant, perhaps, are the profound insights portraying the vital relationship between national church and mission organization. King moved the C&MA from its policy of heavily funding national workers overseas to a place where workers were supported by local national churches. His leadership allowed this change to be championed not just by the mission but by overseas church leaders as well. He was able to turn a large ship and see the fruits of that change in his lifetime.
The book offers insight into other missiological principles that have characterized C&MA missionary efforts. Kings’ leadership marked some of the richest years of spiritual and numerical growth around the world for the Alliance.
Also documented in this account is King’s contribution to the larger mission community, highlighted by his key roles in the Wheaton Conference in 1966 and the Green Lake Conference in 1971. Unknown to many are King’s efforts to dialogue with the ecumenical movement while maintaining an unwavering commitment to the authority of Scripture and evangelical theology.
What is lacking? Very little is missing within the scope of the book. One might have appreciated more material on the application of these timeless principles to the twenty-first century. There might also be a need to understand the denominational culture of The Christian and Missionary Alliance to fully appreciate the book. The book certainly does provide compelling reasons to appreciate the Alliance.
This is a great book, well written by a master writer for anyone interested in the history of missions and the mission task today.
Check this title:
Niklaus, Robert, John Sawin and Samuel Stoesz. All for Jesus. Camp Hill, Pa.:, Christian Publications, 1986.
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