The Most Famous Missionary, Ranked

Choose the missionary you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 23, 2024 07:43
People around the world have been profoundly influenced by the work of various missionaries throughout history. These figures have not only spread their spiritual messages but have also played significant roles in education, healthcare, and social justice. Understanding who the most impactful missionaries are can help us appreciate the diverse contributions they have made across different cultures and communities. This interactive ranking system offers everyone a chance to cast their votes for the missionaries they believe have been the most influential. Through your participation, you can help paint a clearer picture of which missionaries have resonated the most with people around the globe. Your vote matters in shaping an accurate and representative ranking of historical and modern missionary figures.

Who Is the Most Famous Missionary?

  1. 2
    40
    points
    Saint Francis Xavier

    Saint Francis Xavier

    Played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in Asia.
    • Missionary areas: India, Southeast Asia, Japan
    • Canonization date: March 12, 1622
  2. 3
    27
    points
    Hudson Taylor

    Hudson Taylor

    Founder of the China Inland Mission, he was instrumental in bringing Christianity to the interior of China.
    • Missionary approach: Cultural assimilation
    • Impact: Started 125 schools and directly resulted in 18,000 Christian conversions
  3. 4
    26
    points
    David Livingstone

    David Livingstone

    Famous for his exploratory missions in Africa and efforts to end the slave trade.
    • Primary focus: Exploration and medical missions
    • Famous quote: "I am prepared to go anywhere, provided it be forward."
  4. 5
    21
    points
    Amy Carmichael

    Amy Carmichael

    Irish missionary in India, known for her work in rescuing children from temple prostitution.
    • Founded: Dohnavur Fellowship
    • Missionary work duration: 55 years
  5. 6
    11
    points
    Paul the Apostle

    Paul the Apostle

    A key figure in the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.
    • Originally: Saul of Tarsus
    • Major contribution: Wrote 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament
  6. 7
    9
    points
    Adoniram Judson

    Adoniram Judson

    The first American missionary abroad, he translated the Bible into Burmese.
    • Missionary to: Burma
    • Bible translation completion: 24 years
  7. 8
    7
    points
    William Carey

    William Carey

    Known as the 'father of modern missions,' he was a key figure in the Baptist missionary movement.
    • Missionary to: India
    • Founded: The Serampore College
  8. 9
    6
    points

    Jim Elliot

    One of five missionaries killed while participating in Operation Auca, an attempt to evangelize the Huaorani people of Ecuador.
    • Famous quote: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
    • Missionary group: Operation Auca
  9. 10
    0
    points
    Saint Patrick

    Saint Patrick

    Known for bringing Christianity to Ireland.
    • Feast day: March 17
    • Symbols: Shamrock, snakes

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous missionary. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or missionary is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

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  • 2508 views
  • 207 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each missionary once every 24 hours. The rank of each missionary is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More about the Most Famous Missionary

Mother Teresa
Rank #1 for the most famous missionary: Mother Teresa (Source)
Missionaries have long played a key role in spreading religious beliefs across the globe. They travel to distant lands, often leaving behind their homes and families. Their mission is to share their faith with others and provide aid to those in need. This work often involves teaching, building schools, and setting up hospitals.

The history of missionaries dates back many centuries. Early missionaries faced many challenges. They traveled by foot, horse, or ship, enduring harsh conditions. Many did not speak the languages of the people they sought to help. They had to learn new languages and understand different cultures. Despite these obstacles, they persisted. They believed strongly in their cause and were determined to make a difference.

In many regions, missionaries were the first outsiders to arrive. They brought new ideas and technologies. Some introduced new crops and farming methods. Others brought medicines and new forms of education. Their work often led to significant changes in the communities they served.

Missionaries have also faced criticism. Some argue that they imposed their beliefs on others and disrupted local traditions. Critics say that their work sometimes led to the loss of indigenous cultures. However, many missionaries worked to understand and respect the cultures they encountered. They sought to find common ground and build bridges between different worlds.

The impact of missionaries is still visible today. Many schools and hospitals around the world trace their origins to missionary work. Their influence can be seen in the spread of languages, religions, and cultural practices. They played a role in shaping the modern world in many ways.

In recent times, the role of missionaries has evolved. Today, they often focus on humanitarian aid and development work. They provide support in areas such as health care, education, and disaster relief. While their core mission remains the same, their methods and approaches have adapted to changing times.

The legacy of missionaries is complex. They have been both praised and criticized for their work. But their contributions to global history are undeniable. They have left a lasting mark on the world, one that continues to be felt today.

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