The Missionary Mindset series looks into the lives of notable missionaries to provide valuable insights and inspiration. Read the last post in the Missionary Mindset series here.
William Carey, beloved evangelist and minister of the late 1700s, left his footprint on the missionary world. His unrelenting courage and selfless nature served as assets to his faith.
And even today, we can look to William as a powerful example of an impactful missionary.
William Carey’s Missionary Mindset
He faced numerous adversities on the road to ministry. After leaving school at the age of 12, he worked an apprentice to a shoemaker. He felt the Lord calling Him to be a minister, so William pursued ordination … but the church rejected him after his first attempt.
In the late 1700s, the church didn’t place much emphasis on mission work. Ministers were to lead Christians in their faith—not spread the gospel to the unreached. But when he finally became a pastor, William felt God stirring a passion for missions in his heart.
Facing Opposition
One evening at a ministers’ meeting when he suggested the church spread the gospel in other countries, his ideas were shot down. Minister John Collett Ryland said, “Young man, sit down; when God pleases to convert the heathen, he will do it without your aid and mine.”
After fully understanding his missionary calling and deciding to reject the sinister warnings of his fellow ministers, William moved to India to spread the gospel.
It was difficult ground, but he persisted in sharing the gospel—spending seven years in the country before even one person was willing to accept Christ as a personal Savior.
William Carey’s Revolutionary Missionary Mindset
William was one of the first people in his time to recognize the true calling of Matthew 28:19-20.
The Great Commission calls us to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” However, back then, church leaders viewed this verse as an application to the apostles, not to all Christians.
But William knew better. It became his life’s purpose. By adopting this mindset, William changed the world of missions forever.
Challenges William Carey Faced
During his 41 years of ministry in India, he encountered major discouragements and setbacks such as:
Provision for his family Sickness of his children Rejection from the Indian government Life in desolate conditions Unreceptive hearts and minds of the Indian people Spent 41 years in the field without a furlough
Even through all of this, William chose to endure. His willingness and strength to carry on came from God. He did not persevere from his own strength, but from the confidence that Christ provided.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” —Hebrews 12:1-2
The Legacy of William Carey
His work on the field still affects missionaries today. In his most famous book, An Enquiry into the Obligations of Christians, William defines our purpose as disciples of Christ and the importance of spreading the gospel around the world. Countless missionaries read this book as they prepare to work in the mission field.
But out of all that William did, perhaps the greatest piece of wisdom we can gain from him is this:
“Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.”
When we realize that Christ will speak through us as we further His Kingdom, that knowledge allows us to go full out in our work as disciples—spreading the gospel wherever we go, venturing out of our comfort zones, and looking to God for reassurance and comfort.
And William’s life provides a strong example of expecting and attempting everything in Christ’s name that we can each continue to learn from.
Wisdom from William Carey’s Missionary Mindset
William will always be remembered for his great wisdom. Here are some of our quotes:
“I will go down, if you will hold the ropes.”
“Is not the commission of our Lord still binding upon us? Can we not do more than now we are doing?”
“To know the will of God, we need an open Bible and an open map.”
“Without justification salvation is not of grace, but of works.”
Read the next Missionary Mindset here
