Greatest weakness of modern missions

Austin Gardner • July 2, 2022

 emphasized evangelism and church planting rather than leadership training

 J Herbert Kane in his book A Concise History of the Christian World Mission explains how evangelism and church planting have hurt the modern missionary movement. Read on and think it over. You do not have to agree but I beg you to think about it.



Included in the category of church leaders are pastors, evangelists, teachers, and Bible women. To this day the churches in the Third World lack adequately trained leadership. Some of this is the result of missionary activity, which emphasized evangelism and church planting rather than leadership training. John R. Mott said that this has been the greatest weakness of the modern missionary movement. We were so busy winning converts that we forgot to train church leaders. Many of the smaller churches on the mission field, because of their size, are without full-time leaders. Their leaders are dedicated laymen who practice their profession, ply their trade, or work their farms six days a week and on Sunday lead the church services.


Other interesting quotes and articles about leader training


Practicing Servant Leadership

Training Leaders of Leaders

Training Leaders of Leader 2

Greatest Weakness of Modern Missions




 Austin Gardner in China
By Austin Gardner March 16, 2026
Stop thinking the Great Commission is only for "special forces" Christians. Whether you are called to go or called to give, everyone has a role in God's mission. Explore the biblical mandate from Ezra to Acts.
By Austin Gardner March 15, 2026
Facing Pompe disease, the Canfield family shows how faith, grace, and courage hold a family steady in suffering and reveal the quiet strength of God's love.
By Austin Gardner March 15, 2026
Learn from Reuben's mistake in Genesis 37. Half-hearted courage fails every time. Discover why real leadership requires backbone, boldness, and the willingness to stand alone. By W. Austin Gardner.
 A signature logo of W. Austin Gardner, representing a lifetime of ministry and leadership mentoring
By Austin Gardner March 14, 2026
Discover how a simple decision at age 11 became the foundation for the Austin Gardner Story: 50 years of global ministry, church planting in Peru, and a shift to radical grace.
A man reflecting on a bench, symbolizing the internal struggle with the
By Austin Gardner March 13, 2026
In this edition of Austin Gardner Reviews, Austin explains how the stubborn "Johnson Grass" on a farm mirrors the legalism in our souls—and how only God can deal with the roots.
Austin Gardner sharing his story of growing up in a shack and finding 50 years of ministry through G
By Austin Gardner March 12, 2026
Discover the true Austin Gardner Story: a journey from a humble shack on the river to 50 years of global ministry, highlighting a father’s sacrifice and God’s radical grace.
Austin Gardner, survivor of Stage 4 Cancer and COVID-19, sharing his journey of faith and resilience
By Austin Gardner March 11, 2026
After 50 years in ministry, Stage 4 cancer and 21 days on a ventilator didn't just test Austin Gardner's pulse—they dismantled his theology and rebuilt it on radical grace. Read the full Austin Gardner story of faith and resilience.
By Austin Gardner March 10, 2026
Is the noise of the world drowning out God's voice? Austin Gardner shares a powerful lesson from King Ahaziah on the legacy of "wicked counsel" and how to find rest in the grace of Jesus.
By Austin Gardner March 9, 2026
The leader who can't forgive won't last. Discover why forgiveness isn't weakness—it's strategic leadership gold. Learn from Joseph’s story how to lead with grace and mental clarity.
Austin Gardner talking about parental influence
By Austin Gardner March 8, 2026
Your kids aren't just hearing you; they’re becoming you. Explore the sobering lessons of 2 Kings 24:9 and learn how to leave a godly legacy through authentic, grace-filled living.