The Birth of the First European Missionary Society
On October 2, 1792, a group of fourteen Baptist men joined with William Carey to form the first European missionary society, originally named the Particular Baptist Society for Propagating the Gospel (later known as the Baptist Missionary Society). Their goal was to financially support mission work and encourage other Baptist churches to give.
Just as Jesus had His closest disciples—Peter, James, and John—Carey had three key men who formed the foundation of the society: Andrew Fuller, John Sutcliff, and John Ryland. Friends since Carey’s ordination ten years earlier, they remained his devoted supporters for life.
Of the three, Andrew Fuller worked hand in hand with Carey for twenty-five years, even while living a world apart. Fuller, a self-educated farmer, became secretary of the missionary society and successfully spread Carey’s work across England, Scotland, and America for the next quarter century.
The Power of Team Ministry
Great ministries throughout history have often depended on a core of dedicated men who provided encouragement, fellowship, and teamwork. Just as in Carey’s case, these are men who share the vision of the ministry leader. They do not have an ego problem. They are secure in their role for the cause of Christ. They provide fellowship, encouragement, and teamwork for the man or woman who is called to minister to thousands.
Today in the church, we are struggling with a “celebrity culture.” Many people do not want to be called “alongside” the ministry leader. They believe that to be successful, they must have the popular, out-in-front personality. Rather than desiring celebrity status, we each should be looking for our role in team ministry, finding what we are to do in the advancement not of ourselves but of the kingdom of God.
India, Here We Come!
As the new mission team began its search for its first missionary applicant, Carey received a letter from Dr. John Thomas, an English physician who had lived in Bengal, India, for the last four years while working for the East India Company.
Thomas wanted to return as a missionary, and Carey was thrilled. At their first meeting, Carey eagerly questioned Thomas about Indian life and languages and was encouraged by stories of Brahmin leaders requesting New Testament translations in the native Bengali language.
At that moment, William Carey clearly heard the call of God—he was to serve the people of India. When Dr. Thomas requested a companion minister to double the missionary effort, William responded immediately.
“I will go!”
To be continued…
Tale Tuesday 126
Date: 22nd April, 2025
Title: : WILLIAM CAREY (Part 6)
Source: God’s generals- The Missionaries
Author: Roberts Liardon
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