A Survey of Presbyterian Mission History in Africa – Historic Beginnings (c.1790s to c.1930s) Volume One is a seminal and fascinating book released in November 2023 by Barnabas Academic Publishers, Wellington, South Africa, 782 pages.

In a captivating way, with more than 150 historical pictures, illustrations and maps, it gives a comprehensive survey of the historic beginnings of Presbyterian churches across the whole of Africa. An illustrious and multi-ethnic team (26 in total) of scholars contributed to the well-researched and well-written chapters. It not only covers the history of the founding of the respective Presbyterian churches but also adds several bio-insets on colourful pioneers in the growth of Christianity in Africa. Although the book describes the zeal and dedication of the pioneer missionaries, and the huge sacrifices they often made, this mission history is deliberately not written from an uncritical viewpoint of the Western mission enterprise but in each chapter the contribution of the first converts (ordained and lay members, including women) is acknowledged and described. It underscores the historical fact that “the church grew primarily because of the work of new Christians.” With this book, the editor, Jack Whytock and his team, makes a marvellous contribution to the understanding of Christianity in Africa, and especially the important role of the Presbyterian Churches in this regard. The book will be an invaluable resource for students, church leaders and people doing scholarly research on the enthralling early history of the planting of churches in Africa. Every chapter includes Select Bibliographies and also questions. The work can be used as a textbook in theological colleges and seminaries but also as a key reference work. It is believed that this is the first such comprehensive work of its kind to be undertaken as a full survey of these missions and churches in one book and marks a milestone in publishing endeavours.

This new book is available for purchase at:

• https://www.booktopia.com.au/a-survey-of-presbyterian-mission-history-in-africa-j-c-whytock/book/9781868045402.html
• https://www.amazon.com/Survey-Presbyterian-Mission-History-Africa/dp/1868045404/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=9781868045402&qid=1707117976&sr=8-1
• https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/a-survey-of-presbyterian-mission-history-in-africa-9781868045402
• https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-survey-of-presbyterian-mission-history-in-africa-j-c-whytock/1144766763?ean=9781868045402