LIFE OF A.B. SIMPSON Prof. Jintae Kim, Ph.D. Alliance Theological Seminary Nov 2, 2003

Part I: Introduction

What to decide? Tolkien, p Tolkien, p Importance of knowing the time and the mission (vision). Importance of knowing the time and the mission (vision).

Concept of time and human destiny ‘I wish it need not have happened in my time,’ said Frodo. ‘I wish it need not have happened in my time,’ said Frodo. ‘So do I,’ said Gandalf, ‘and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us. And already, Frodo, our time is beginning to look back….’ ‘So do I,’ said Gandalf, ‘and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us. And already, Frodo, our time is beginning to look back….’

Two Millennia of Evangelizing

The World’s Peoples and Their Discipling Majority Christian Missiological Breakthrough Pioneer Ministries The Least Reached

Evangelicals

Although many peoples are still unreached, the number is only a fraction of that of 100 years ago. The goal is attainable in our generation -- if we mobilize prayer and effort and work together to disciple the remaining least reached peoples. --Patrick Johnstone

One clear vision of Simpson: “Divine Plan” A Dynamic body of New Testament-type churches giving preeminence to Jesus Christ in personal experience (Holiness) and universal witness (Mission). Primary purpose: Function of evangelism.

Simpson’s Passion & Action He used all his talents and resources for achieving this one goal with utmost passion and zeal. His dream and Heart for the lost souls!

No time for trifling in this life of mine; Not this the path the blessed Master trod, But strenuous toil; each hour and power employed Always and all for God. Time swiftly flies; eternity is near, And soon my dust may lie beneath the sod. How dare I waste my life or cease to be Always and all for God! I catch the meaning of this solemn age; With life’s vast issues all my soul is awed. Life was not given for trifling; it must be Always and all for God.

His work became a movement that goes far beyond his worthy efforts and grows unchecked by his passing from the scene (All For Jesus, xi). The work that began in Simpson’s heart has grown into one of the more significant missionary forces of modern church history, while in North America its impact grows by the year (All for Jesus, xii).

Part II: Context of His Life ( )

1) Regionalism: Economic (Farm vs. Factory) & Social 2) Revivalism Holiness movement: Wesley ( ); C. Finney ( ); Holiness movement: Wesley ( ); C. Finney ( ); Turrey ( ); D. L. Moody ( ) Turrey ( ); D. L. Moody ( ) Healing movement: A. Murray; C. Cullis ( ); Healing movement: A. Murray; C. Cullis ( ); W. Boardman ( ) W. Boardman ( ) First Great Awakening ( ): J. Edwards; G. Whitefield First Great Awakening ( ): J. Edwards; G. Whitefield Second Great Awakening ( ): A.B.S. (1816); Second Great Awakening ( ): A.B.S. (1816); Missionary Societies. Missionary Societies. 3) Millennialism America as the almost promised land America as the almost promised land New Jerusalem New Jerusalem 4) The Westward movement (Gold Rush)

Connection with Mission from His Birth 1843 Albert Simpson is born as 4’th son of James and Jane; Baptized and dedicated to missionary service by Rev. John Geddie Baptized and dedicated to missionary service by Rev. John Geddie on his way to South Sea Islands as Canada’s 1’st missionary.

Part III: 4 Periods of His Ministry

Knox Church, Hamilton Wedding Ceremony, Ordination Ceremony, and Installation Service Pastor & Preacher

(1) Two Hidden Liabilities 1) Poor Health. 2) Deep Depression from dogged sense of inadequacy – Issue of sanctification (Was he perfectionist?) (Was he perfectionist?)

(2) Important Connection Fellowship with Evangelical Alliance (1846): non-denominational worldwide evangelical fellowship. Simpson adopted the idea of Alliance later when he established the two Alliances (1887).

Chestnut St. Presb. Louiseville (3 Events) 1874 His sanctification experience 1875 City evangelism for unchurched poor: Non-denominational/sectarian, Non-denominational/sectarian, but evangelistic/catholic but evangelistic/catholic 1877 Dream – Chinese?  Dedicate to the mission to China  Rejection by Margaret  Idea of a missionary magazine  Idea of a missionary magazine

(1) 1874 His sanctification experience Boardman’s “Higher Christian Life” & Surrender to Christ 2 Poles of Emphasis: Holiness  Mission

+ Evangelist 1875 Invited Whittle/Bliss Evangelistic Team to City Evangelism for unchurched poor.

(2) Departure from Louisville 1878 Building and Dedication of the new church building: no salary, free tabernacle vs. deluxe.

’th St. Presb., New York + Mission magazine editor Feb, ’st issue of “Gospel in all Lands” (with $555 church’s Christmas gift money)

(1) Conflicts and Resignation 1) Pastoral: City evangelism for unchurched poor, esp. Italian immigrants & ensuing conflict with his church. City evangelism for unchurched poor, esp. Italian immigrants & ensuing conflict with his church. 2) Doctrinal: The issue of Infant Baptism and his rebaptism by a Baptist minister  His resignation The issue of Infant Baptism and his rebaptism by a Baptist minister  His resignation

(2) August, 1881 His experience of Divine Healing (Old Orchard) Climbing Mt. Kearsarge 3000’ next day. Climbing Mt. Kearsarge 3000’ next day. 3 year old Margaret’s illness and healing. 3 year old Margaret’s illness and healing.

Gospel Tabernacle, New York Only 7 other members (11/20/1881)

(1) Divine Pattern of the New Testament Church

(2) Emphasis on Free 1) Classless church 2) Voluntary contribution (free membership) 3) Independent & non-denominational 4) Simple doctrinal statement – no barrier. 5) Target the unchurched middle classes 6) Purpose-oriented: Evangelism  Foreign mission. Evangelism  Foreign mission.

(3) Activities 1) Oct Conventions 2) Friday meetings (Holiness and Healing) Summer Tent meetings (Evangelistic outreach) Summer Tent meetings (Evangelistic outreach) 3) Berachach Healing Home (1883) 4) 2 Alliances 5) Mission magazine: “The Word, the Work, and the World” “The Word, the Work, and the World” 6) Missionary Training Institute (1882): The precursor of Nyack College and Alliance Theological Seminary.