Who was John Paton, and why is he considered one of the greatest missionaries in church history? In this episode, Paul Schlehlein explores Paton’s life, theology, suffering, and enduring legacy as a missionary to the New Hebrides.

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.

Recommended 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