What comes to mind when you think of the Reformation? Most of us probably think of leaders like Martin Luther and John Calvin, or the “five solas” summarizing the theological convictions of the movement.
I imagine few of us, though, think about the Reformation’s massive effect on evangelism.
In this new five-minute roundtable video, Danny Akin (president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in North Carolina), Colin Smith (pastor of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church in Chicago), and Ryan Kelly (pastor of Desert Springs Church in Albuquerque) discuss how the Reformation sparked an extraordinary fervor for gospel witness. Akin corrects the common misconception that Calvin lacked a robust view of missions, while Smith notes how gospel recovery created evangelistic momentum—including in his native Scotland through the ministry of John Knox. Finally, Kelly explains how Reformation theology helped launch the unprecedented spread of Christianity across France in the 16th century. Listen to or watch this conversation to learn how Reformation theology empowers mission.
Join us in Indianapolis next April to learn more about the Reformation’s relevance to various areas of life and ministry. Our 2017 National Conference—“No Other Gospel: Reformation 500 and Beyond”—will celebrate the Reformation’s 500th anniversary and feature over 50 talks from 65 speakers. Browse the list and register soon!
