Does the London Missionary Society Still Exist?

By Michael Ferguson

The London Missionary Society (LMS) was once the largest and most influential missionary society in the world. It was founded in 1795 by a group of evangelical Anglicans and Nonconformists, who were inspired by the growing interest in overseas mission work. The society’s main objective was to spread Christianity to non-Christian nations and peoples, particularly in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.

The LMS played a significant role in the history of modern missionary activity. It sent out thousands of missionaries to various parts of the world, established schools, hospitals, and churches, translated the Bible into many languages, and contributed to the development of local communities. The society’s work also had a significant impact on European imperialism and colonialism.

However, over time, the LMS faced various challenges such as financial difficulties, changing attitudes towards mission work, and political upheavals. In 1966, it merged with another missionary organization to form the Council for World Mission.

So does the London Missionary Society still exist? The short answer is no. However, its legacy lives on through various organizations that continue its work.

One such organization is the Council for World Mission (CWM), which is an international partnership of churches engaged in mission work around the world. Its members include churches from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America and the Caribbean.

Another organization that has inherited some of LMS’s legacy is Christian Aid. This UK-based charity was founded in 1945 as an agency to support war-torn Europe but later expanded its activities to include global poverty relief through partnerships with local organizations around the world.

In conclusion, while the London Missionary Society may no longer exist as a separate entity today, its impact on global missions is still felt through organizations like CWM and Christian Aid. Its influence on modern-day Christian missions continues to inspire individuals and organizations alike to work towards spreading love and compassion throughout our world.