Conceived in his soul : the relationship between spirituality and the practice of mission leadership as demonstrated through the example of J. Hudson Taylor

Abstract

James Hudson Taylor is often proclaimed the Father of the Modern Faith Mission Movement. As the founder of the China Inland Mission (or modern day OMF International), it would seem that much of Taylor's legacy is indeed his pioneering work in missions and missiology. This is well worth the time and attention of researchers and students, as there is at least an assumption that many modern mission practices are patterned after Taylor's innovations. However, Taylor's life and legacy leaves the modern student with more than missiological principles. He also personally developed a unique and peculiar brand of biblical spirituality in the process of founding and leading one of the first modern faith-based, interdenominational mission societies. This research will seek to find connections between Taylor's peculiar brand of spirituality and his unique missiological leadership along with applications for the modern context. This will result in a qualitative description of Taylor's spirituality, missional leadership style along with connections with implications.