20 years ago I was researching archives for a book some professors were writing. I just saw a footnote for the book in a recent article. I guess someone is still reading books published in the 1980’s (tangent — who reads books now that the internet is here? Well, I do, but there is a great share of my reading that is done on the Net — a point a computer friend of mine made a decade ago — libraries will soon become “bookless.”)
The book (getting back to where I started) was called Birth of a Vision. The theme was the life and thought of Albert Benjamin Simpson.
Simpson was the founder of a society called the “Christian and Missionary Alliance”, so named in 1893 after a decade of existence as two separate societies. The society has moved on to become an international family of churches. The largest national group of churches is actually said to be in Vietnam.
Where did this man start? Believe it or not (and Ripley would love this), he was born in Prince Edward Island in Canada. I understand his father was in the ship building business. When there was a depression in that business shortly after Albert was born, the family moved to outside of Chatham, Ontario. His father was said to be a poor farmer. At the same time he took seriously his responsibility to lead his family in spiritual matters. Albert knew Scripture and the Westminster Cathecism.
Why mention this? First, I am a strong Canadian and alway willing to celebrate our native sons! Second, there is a resurgence of Reformed thinking in response to what is often called the Emerging Church.
I think the North American church would be well served to examine Simpson’s life. You will find that he echoes the stability of theology brought about by his upbringing. At the same time, he was aware of the immigrant population, social stirrings, and the emerging life of the country.
A challenge for some of you if you have time!!
Check AudienceONE Ministries by Steve Camp