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Missionary Monks: An Introduction to the History and Theology of Missionary Monasticism
Missionaries go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, while monks live cloistered in a monastery and focus their lives on prayer and studying Scripture--correct? Not exactly. When we study the history of Christian mission, especially from around 500 to 1500 CE, the key missionaries that we constantly encounter are monks. In fact, if we don't have monks in this period then we have very little in the way of Christian mission. Our aim in this book is to examine the phenomenon of missionary monks--those who pursued both a monastic and missionary calling. We will meet the monks and monastic orders, narrate their journeys in mission, and evaluate their approaches to and thoughts about mission.
"Church historian and missiologist Ed Smither is the perfect person to bridge two academic fields and offer us a comprehensive look at monastic Christian missions. His historical overview covers all the bases with readability and depth. Perhaps his most important contribution is the 'theology of mission' that calls us to imitate the globe-trotting monks in their love for God and lives of sacrifice. Everyone interested in contemporary missions needs to read this book; for in its pages we come face to face with our great predecessors who first took the Gospel to faraway lands. These are friends we need to know, and Smither offers them to you. Don't miss out!"
--Bryan Litfin, Professor of Theology, Moody Bible Institute
"Some Christians falsely conclude that monks are of little earthly good because they are so preoccupied with prayer that they do little for the kingdom of God. This book definitively shows that this is an incorrect conclusion. In an easily readable and accessible manner Smither demonstrates that monks from all areas and eras of the Christian world have been engaged in mission, bringing the gospel to all people. It will change your view of monasticism."
--Greg Peters, Biola University; author of Reforming the Monastery and The Story of Monasticism
"In Missionary Monks, Edward L. Smither has taken the Protestant Reformation lid off a treasure trove of God's intriguing missional history and theology with scholarly authority and rich prose that enlightens contemporary adventures in the expansion of Christ's kingdom."
--Robert L. Gallagher, Chair and Associate Professor of Intercultural Studies, Wheaton College Graduate School
"Having studied the life and thought of the monk Basil of Caesarea intensely and having traveled to Iona and Lindisfarne, two key Celtic monastic settlements, this book struck a responsive key with me. One need not agree with all that monasticism stood for to appreciate elements of the piety and theology of these remarkable 'missionary monks' as Smither describes them. A much-needed history that fills a great lacuna."
--Michael A. G. Haykin, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Edward L. Smither is Professor of Intercultural Studies and History of Global Christianity and Dean of the College of Intercultural Studies at Columbia International University.
"Church historian and missiologist Ed Smither is the perfect person to bridge two academic fields and offer us a comprehensive look at monastic Christian missions. His historical overview covers all the bases with readability and depth. Perhaps his most important contribution is the 'theology of mission' that calls us to imitate the globe-trotting monks in their love for God and lives of sacrifice. Everyone interested in contemporary missions needs to read this book; for in its pages we come face to face with our great predecessors who first took the Gospel to faraway lands. These are friends we need to know, and Smither offers them to you. Don't miss out!"
--Bryan Litfin, Professor of Theology, Moody Bible Institute
"Some Christians falsely conclude that monks are of little earthly good because they are so preoccupied with prayer that they do little for the kingdom of God. This book definitively shows that this is an incorrect conclusion. In an easily readable and accessible manner Smither demonstrates that monks from all areas and eras of the Christian world have been engaged in mission, bringing the gospel to all people. It will change your view of monasticism."
--Greg Peters, Biola University; author of Reforming the Monastery and The Story of Monasticism
"In Missionary Monks, Edward L. Smither has taken the Protestant Reformation lid off a treasure trove of God's intriguing missional history and theology with scholarly authority and rich prose that enlightens contemporary adventures in the expansion of Christ's kingdom."
--Robert L. Gallagher, Chair and Associate Professor of Intercultural Studies, Wheaton College Graduate School
"Having studied the life and thought of the monk Basil of Caesarea intensely and having traveled to Iona and Lindisfarne, two key Celtic monastic settlements, this book struck a responsive key with me. One need not agree with all that monasticism stood for to appreciate elements of the piety and theology of these remarkable 'missionary monks' as Smither describes them. A much-needed history that fills a great lacuna."
--Michael A. G. Haykin, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Edward L. Smither is Professor of Intercultural Studies and History of Global Christianity and Dean of the College of Intercultural Studies at Columbia International University.
- GenresHistory
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2017
6 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Edward L. Smither
26 books5 followersEd Smither (PhD, University of Wales; PhD, University of Pretoria) is Dean of the College of Intercultural Studies at Columbia International University.
Ed joined the CIU faculty in 2012. Prior to that, he taught intercultural studies and church history at Liberty University for six years. Ed previously served for fourteen years in intercultural ministry working primarily among Muslims in France, North Africa, and the USA.
Ed earned a PhD in Historical Theology from the University of Wales (UK) and a PhD in Intercultural Studies from the University of Pretoria (South Africa).
As a teacher, Ed loves coming alongside students and helping them discover their place in the mission of God. While he believes that the classroom is a passionate environment for mentoring for mission, he also enjoys meeting students for coffee and meals and serving together in ministry projects and short-term mission trips.
Since 1999, Ed has been married to Shawn and together they parent Brennan, Emma, and Eve whom they refer to as “three amazing, hilarious, wild kids.” As a family, they enjoy hiking, watching movies, and discovering new lighthouses at the North Carolina Outer Banks. Ed is an ordained Southern Baptist minister and the Smithers currently worship at Gateway Baptist Church in Irmo. In terms of hobbies, Ed enjoys road biking, coaching youth soccer, drinking bold coffee, and listening to bands in the genre of Switchfoot and U2.
Ed joined the CIU faculty in 2012. Prior to that, he taught intercultural studies and church history at Liberty University for six years. Ed previously served for fourteen years in intercultural ministry working primarily among Muslims in France, North Africa, and the USA.
Ed earned a PhD in Historical Theology from the University of Wales (UK) and a PhD in Intercultural Studies from the University of Pretoria (South Africa).
As a teacher, Ed loves coming alongside students and helping them discover their place in the mission of God. While he believes that the classroom is a passionate environment for mentoring for mission, he also enjoys meeting students for coffee and meals and serving together in ministry projects and short-term mission trips.
Since 1999, Ed has been married to Shawn and together they parent Brennan, Emma, and Eve whom they refer to as “three amazing, hilarious, wild kids.” As a family, they enjoy hiking, watching movies, and discovering new lighthouses at the North Carolina Outer Banks. Ed is an ordained Southern Baptist minister and the Smithers currently worship at Gateway Baptist Church in Irmo. In terms of hobbies, Ed enjoys road biking, coaching youth soccer, drinking bold coffee, and listening to bands in the genre of Switchfoot and U2.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 16, 2017
“Why would anyone ever want to be a monk?” I’ve asked myself this a number of times and I’m sure you have as well. It is a reasonable question for one in the “hyper-social” 21st century world in which we find ourselves now. This also displays an enormous misunderstanding of the monastic lifestyle.
I have almost always viewed monasticism as many others probably do—monks and nuns in their own respective castles with little to no contact with the outside world. Dr. Ed Smither (Ph.D. University of Wales & University of Pretoria) provides great insight into the world of early Christian missions and monasticism and breaks down many of those misconceptions in his book, Missionary Monks.
Smither provides a brief background of the “mission” of the early Church. “Mission” has become a buzz-word of sorts in contemporary Christianity. So much so that it is necessary to provide a clear definition of exactly what one means by this term so that it is not misunderstood by the reader. Smither wastes no time in providing his definition of mission for this very reason. Smither defines mission as “the divine activity of sending intermediaries. . .to speak or to do God’s will so that God’s purpose for judgment or redemption are furthered” (4). Smither then uses the rest of his book to show how various monks took this “divine activity” to heart as they traveled the world sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The book flows in chronological order from the Early Church (ca. 33-299 AD –or CE if you prefer). Smither not only explains the reason that early Christians went to the ends of the earth with the Gospel message, but also what highlighted their task of mission. The early Church’s mission was not an easy one. They encountered persecution at various levels and to different degrees. However, the early Church experienced an exponential growth that has been unparalleled in history.
Smither then provides the heavy groundwork for the rest of the book. I say “heavy” but it is not at all a difficult read, nor are the concepts difficult to understand. They are the necessary foundation for what “monasticism” was and how it arose in the early Church. Monasticism is not what we view it as.
Each of the historical figures Smither discusses were mission-minded. Beginning with Basil of Caesarea, Smither discusses the life and mission of ten individuals and four groups that were involved in providing for the needs of the people around them. Basil of Caesarea ran a food pantry during a famine in Caesarea (37); Martin of Tours was called a healer (47); Patrick went back to the country that stole his childhood and preached the Gospel (57). Each individual or group mentioned desired to serve God through loving their neighbors, suffering, preaching the Gospel, engaging culture, and love for the Church (181-182).
For those who believe that mission work is for “missionaries,” I would suggest they pick up a copy of Dr. Smither’s book. For those who know that mission work is for every believer, pick up a copy of Dr. Smither’s book. Missionary Monks is a very easy read and will challenge your understanding of mission work and will challenge you to evaluate how you are engaging your culture.
I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Smither a few months ago (this in no way influenced my review). He was a joy to converse with about the Ph.D. journey and the process that I have begun and I look forward to reading more of his works throughout the years.
I have almost always viewed monasticism as many others probably do—monks and nuns in their own respective castles with little to no contact with the outside world. Dr. Ed Smither (Ph.D. University of Wales & University of Pretoria) provides great insight into the world of early Christian missions and monasticism and breaks down many of those misconceptions in his book, Missionary Monks.
Smither provides a brief background of the “mission” of the early Church. “Mission” has become a buzz-word of sorts in contemporary Christianity. So much so that it is necessary to provide a clear definition of exactly what one means by this term so that it is not misunderstood by the reader. Smither wastes no time in providing his definition of mission for this very reason. Smither defines mission as “the divine activity of sending intermediaries. . .to speak or to do God’s will so that God’s purpose for judgment or redemption are furthered” (4). Smither then uses the rest of his book to show how various monks took this “divine activity” to heart as they traveled the world sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The book flows in chronological order from the Early Church (ca. 33-299 AD –or CE if you prefer). Smither not only explains the reason that early Christians went to the ends of the earth with the Gospel message, but also what highlighted their task of mission. The early Church’s mission was not an easy one. They encountered persecution at various levels and to different degrees. However, the early Church experienced an exponential growth that has been unparalleled in history.
Smither then provides the heavy groundwork for the rest of the book. I say “heavy” but it is not at all a difficult read, nor are the concepts difficult to understand. They are the necessary foundation for what “monasticism” was and how it arose in the early Church. Monasticism is not what we view it as.
Each of the historical figures Smither discusses were mission-minded. Beginning with Basil of Caesarea, Smither discusses the life and mission of ten individuals and four groups that were involved in providing for the needs of the people around them. Basil of Caesarea ran a food pantry during a famine in Caesarea (37); Martin of Tours was called a healer (47); Patrick went back to the country that stole his childhood and preached the Gospel (57). Each individual or group mentioned desired to serve God through loving their neighbors, suffering, preaching the Gospel, engaging culture, and love for the Church (181-182).
For those who believe that mission work is for “missionaries,” I would suggest they pick up a copy of Dr. Smither’s book. For those who know that mission work is for every believer, pick up a copy of Dr. Smither’s book. Missionary Monks is a very easy read and will challenge your understanding of mission work and will challenge you to evaluate how you are engaging your culture.
I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Smither a few months ago (this in no way influenced my review). He was a joy to converse with about the Ph.D. journey and the process that I have begun and I look forward to reading more of his works throughout the years.
April 29, 2025
Excellent Survey of Monastic Missionaries and Their Methods
The survey starts in the early days of Christianity and moves through the monastic movements of the Egyptian monastics and sweeps across Europe from Rome and then sways East into Persia, India, and China. Excellent survey with methodological clarity of missionary monks and their ways as people who are sent as passionate evangelists who establish the church and order through monastic rigor and asceticism into the mission field wherever they go. The conclusion came abruptly but the content was worth the read to the end.
The survey starts in the early days of Christianity and moves through the monastic movements of the Egyptian monastics and sweeps across Europe from Rome and then sways East into Persia, India, and China. Excellent survey with methodological clarity of missionary monks and their ways as people who are sent as passionate evangelists who establish the church and order through monastic rigor and asceticism into the mission field wherever they go. The conclusion came abruptly but the content was worth the read to the end.
April 15, 2022
This is a good introductory survey of "missionary monks." Naturally, since it is only an introduction, one should not expect it to contain a lot of depth on the matter. Smither gives a decent survey, but some of his arguments lacked quality. 3.5/5 stars
April 23, 2019
An excellent concise and get comprehensive study of monastic world Christian mission.
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August 20, 2016I had the opportunity this week to review a pre-publication version of this book. Given my thin knowledge of very early missionary work, this proved an informative and valuable read. The application section in the last chapter provides thought-provoking implications for modern-day ministry.
As is generally my practice when I'm acquainted with the author, I've chosen to forego assigning a star rating.
As is generally my practice when I'm acquainted with the author, I've chosen to forego assigning a star rating.
March 31, 2017
You may remember the desert fathers from church history… and if you’re a mission history buff, also recall the significant role monastic movements played in reaching Europe, or have some stories about the Celtic church, the Eastern church, or the Jesuits. In this new book we can “journey with monks and monastic orders who led the way in global mission from the fourth to the seventeenth centuries.” Quite the scope! Meet mystics and leaders like Patrick, Boniface, Anskar, Cyril, and more, exploring their ministries in context as well as drawing lessons for today from their approaches to mission.
This book is a good read. Academic, for sure, but engaging. It draws from (and comments on the reliability of) a variety of original and secondary sources and imposes enough structure on the content to make it a very usable resource for those who may teach on these topics... especially with an end toward seeking parallels with conditions and efforts today.... e.g., anyone teaching or studying mission history. I guess that's not a very big niche. Still, a unique book, and I hope it sells well for use in and out of the classroom.
The author is Professor of Intercultural Studies and History of Global Christianity and Dean of the College of Intercultural Studies at Columbia International University (my recent alma mater).
This book is a good read. Academic, for sure, but engaging. It draws from (and comments on the reliability of) a variety of original and secondary sources and imposes enough structure on the content to make it a very usable resource for those who may teach on these topics... especially with an end toward seeking parallels with conditions and efforts today.... e.g., anyone teaching or studying mission history. I guess that's not a very big niche. Still, a unique book, and I hope it sells well for use in and out of the classroom.
The author is Professor of Intercultural Studies and History of Global Christianity and Dean of the College of Intercultural Studies at Columbia International University (my recent alma mater).
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews