Who Was John Nevius? The Legacy of the Missionary to China and Three-Self Missiology

Joshua Bowman explores the life of an unsung missionary hero.

Who Was John Nevius? Joshua Bowman on the Missionary to China and Three-Self Missiology

Who was John Nevius, and why does his legacy continue to influence missions today? In this captivating episode of The Missions Podcast, we delve into the life and groundbreaking work of John Nevius with the insights of Joshua Bowman, a seasoned missionary with extensive experience in Zambia and South Asia, and currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Missions and Theology at Cedarville University. Bowman sheds light on Nevius’ remarkable contributions and critiques of missionary strategies in China over a century ago. Together, we discuss Nevius’ three-self approach advocating for self-governing, self-supporting, and self-propagating churches and its vital relevance to contemporary missions. See full show notes….


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Alex Kocman & Scott Dunford

Alex Kocman is the Director of Communications and Engagement for ABWE. He serves as general editor for Message Magazine and co-hosts The Missions Podcast. After earning his M.A. in Communication and B.S. in Biblical Studies, he served as an online apologetics instructor with Liberty University and a youth pastor in Pennsylvania, where he now resides with his wife and three children. Read his blog or follow him on X/Twitter.

Scott Dunford is the pastor of Western Hills Church in San Mateo, Calif. Previously, Scott served as Vice President of Mobilization and Communications for ABWE and as a missionary in East Asia. Scott graduated from Northland International University (B.A. in Pastoral Studies), earned his M.A. in biblical studies from Central Baptist Theological Seminary, his M.B.A. from Cornerstone University, and is currently enrolled in Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s D.Min. program with an emphasis on missions.


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