Topics Discussed
04:00 – A Crocodile, Providence, and Meeting His Wife
The remarkable story of how a crocodile attack in Mozambique ultimately led to Paul meeting his future wife and learning to trust God’s providence.
09:30 – Why Write About John G. Paton?
Paul explains why he considers Paton one of the greatest missionaries in church history and why his story remains relevant today.
12:30 – Paton’s Preparation for the Mission Field
The influence of godly parents, family worship, Scottish evangelicalism, and Paton’s successful evangelistic ministry before leaving for the South Pacific.
17:00 – Scotland and the Great Century of Missions
A discussion of Scotland’s outsized contribution to global missions and the spiritual forces that produced generations of faithful missionaries.
20:00 – Suffering, Loss, and the Doctrines of Grace
How Paton’s theology sustained him through the deaths of his wife Mary and their infant child, as well as years of danger and hardship.
27:00 – Risk, Safety, and Missionary Courage
A biblical theology of risk, suffering, and faithfulness, with reflections on Paton, Epaphroditus, and the missionary calling.
31:00 – The St. Andrews Seven and Thomas Chalmers
Lessons from the famous missionary movement at St. Andrews and the influence of Thomas Chalmers on a generation of gospel workers.
34:00 – Church Planting and Indigenous Ministry
Paton’s commitment to planting self-governing, self-propagating, and self-sustaining churches, and why those principles still matter today.
40:00 – Revivalism, Numbers, and Faithful Reporting
The dangers of measuring ministry by immediate results and Paton’s balanced approach to conversions, church growth, and long-term fruitfulness.
45:00 – Final Encouragements and Recommended Reading
Closing reflections on missionary faithfulness, the upcoming St. Andrews Seven project, and a recommendation to read John G. Paton’s biography.
Resources
John G. Paton: Missionary to the Cannibals of the South Seas by Paul Schlehlein’s
John G. Paton: Missionary to the New Hebrides by John G. Paton
Letters and Sketches from the New Hebrides by Margaret Paton