Tribute to Dr. David J. Hesselgrave

Note: David J. Hesselgrave (1924-2018), premier Missiologist and influential missiological Writer passed away Monday May 21, 2018 at age of 94.

Like many others, I once was a doctoral student under the tutelage of David Hesselgrave at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. I have always esteemed him as my primary missions mentor. His missiological thinking not only molded mine, but over the course of time has shaped the missiological tenor and direction of Missio Nexus as well. The core supposition that Hesselgrave taught both by example and in his teaching/writings, is that all mission thought and practice MUST be centered on God’s word. For Hesselgrave, Scripture was the bedrock of the Christian mission.

With his passing, we have lost not only a missionary statesman, but also a champion for biblically-based missions. No other missiologist in this generation had the range of influence in biblical missiology as David Hesselgrave.

In 2012 Missio Nexus awarded Hesselgrave the Lifetime of Service Award. That was the same year the IFMA and EFMA merged to form Missio Nexus. It only seemed appropriate to the leadership of the association that someone of the stature of Hesselgrave be honored as a show of unity as the newly united North American mission community moved forward together.

We at Missio Nexus mourn the loss of a beloved teacher, mentor, author, and friend. Though he has been promoted to glory, his legacy will continue to live on through his prolific missiological writings and the fond memories etched in the minds of we who knew him.

By: Marvin J.Newell
Senior Vice President
Missio Nexus