J. N. Andrews and the “Success” of the European Mission

Abstract

Vigorous public criticism was voiced by General Conference leaders in the late 1870s about the wisdom and the effectiveness of the particular mission strategies adopted by John Andrews in undertaking his mission to Europe. He was challenged over why he had not followed the tried and tested “American Model” for his mission. Leadership was trou bled that results were coming too slowly, that the operation was too expensive and that the mission had not become self sustaining quickly enough. Andrews vigorously de fended the approach he had adopted given the particular socio cultural and financial sit uation he faced. Circumstances on the ground and experience led him to conclude that the “American Model” was not an appropriate fit for the situation he confronted. Thus he had not followed it. Ironically, recent interpreters have faulted Andrews on the as sumption that he had followed it. This paper will explore the background of the General Conference criticism of Andrews’ mission to Europe, Andrews’ defense, the subsequent “audit” conducted by the General Conference and the results of the audit. It will also explore how the publication of the audit’s positive assessment stands in tension with Ellen White’s last letter to Andrews and how this has resulted in contrasting assessments of John Andrews’ legacy to Adventist mission.