An examination of the life and ministry of M. Theron Rankin

The purpose of the study was to investigate the contributions of M. Theron Rankin to the missionary endeavors of Southern Baptists, especially through the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. The study focused upon Rankin's administration at the Foreign Mission Board from 1945 to 1953. Articles, books, interviews, minutes, personal papers, reports, and sermons provided the data for this study.;The first chapter surveyed the life of Rankin. After a brief introduction, Rankin's formative years were highlighted, especially his home life. The next section, entitled "Call and Preparation," focused on Rankin's college and seminary studies, showing his gradual call from God to be a missionary. Rankin's ministry served as the focus of the fourth section. This section provided an overview of his service as a new missionary in the South China Mission, a teacher and administrator, a treasurer, and the area secretary for the Orient. The last part of the chapter highlighted Rankin's selection as executive secretary, his leisure activities in Richmond, his illness, and his death.;In the second chapter the writings of Rankin were examined to determine some of his missiological emphases. His writings provided insight into his ideas concerning various mission principles: people's need, God's plan, motives for missions, the role of the church and denomination in the task of missions, the role of the missionary in this task, evangelism, and church planting. Indigenous Christianity and mission government were mission-related issues explored in this chapter.;The administrative developments at the Foreign Mission Board during Rankin's tenure were examined in the final chapter. The first section treated the backdrop of Rankin's administration, while the second section outlined administrative developments: relief and rehabilitation, the ecumenical movement, the Nigerian commission, and missionary education and promotion. The next section provided an overview of the expansion of missionary endeavors during Rankin's administration, including the implementation of a program of missionary expansion entitled the "Advance Program." The last section highlighted the results of Rankin's administration.