An investigation of cross-cultural mission patterns among selected international Baptist missionary-sending agencies

In spite of the growth of Baptists and trends occurring in Christianity, this researcher found no published studies regarding international Baptists missionary-sending activities. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation is to investigate the organized missionary efforts of Baptists in the selected nations to reach others cross-culturally. This discovery presents principles applicable to conventions or unions which are potentially missionary-sending entities. The dissertation examined seven countries from which Baptist missionaries are being sent from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.; This study contributed to Baptist missiology since no similar investigation has been attempted among Baptist missionary-sending denominations. To achieve this goal a study of the history, methodology, current status, relevant observations, and implications from the investigation provided potential applications for the selected Baptist missionary-sending agencies, as well as other global missionary-sending agencies. This research could stimulate and assist the development of cross-cultural missionary-sending organizations throughout the world.; The history of Christianity was investigated. Both Catholic and Protestant entries into the selected nations were traced with attention given to Baptists. Important Baptist events included the establishment of the first Baptist churches, the Baptist Convention, the foreign missions program, and the sending of Baptist missionaries. Through history strengths and weaknesses emerged in later generations of Baptist work.; The dissertation contains the most current and comprehensive listing of Baptist missionaries from the selected countries available. It is the only research available that lists where they are serving and it produces a better understanding of what the missionaries are doing. Until this research was compiled there was little information as to how Baptist missionaries were selected, trained, and funded. It also called attention to areas where there can be greater cooperation between Baptist missionary-sending agencies. The influence of Southern Baptist missionaries on these countries in their missionary-sending endeavors can now be better appraised for successes and failures. Among Baptist missionary-sending agencies the research compiled is unprecedented.; This dissertation sought to discover principles applicable to conventions or unions that are potential missionary-sending entities. Implications and observations of the study led to the discovery of common factors and recommendations for missionary-sending agencies. While the focus of this study was Baptists with established missionary-sending agencies, the observations apply to most Protestant Christians desiring to "go and make disciples of all nations." 1; 1Matt 28:19.