A study of Australian Protestant missionaries to Nigeria between 1960 and 1990

Abstract

From 1911 onwards, Australia has joined other western nations in sending Protestant missionaries to Nigeria. Since Independence, a total of 129 have gone to the country primarily with two missionary societies, SUM Fellowship (Australia and New Zealand Branch) (formerly Sudan United Mission) and SIM Australia (formerly Sudan Interior Mission). This study examines their background, decision to proceed to Nigeria, preparation, motivation, arrival, assignments, location, lifestyle, length of stay and departure. Common characteristics and trends at these various stages have been identified to establish a 'group portrait'. As a group is comprised of individuals, there is diversification within each stage. The best method to achieve this 'group portrait' is through the use of statistics. Material was obtained from 73 responses to a questionnaire sent to former and current missionaries and supplemented by material made available by the missionaries and the two main societies. This study provides an understanding of missionaries working in a post-colonial environment, reflects the changes that have occurred in world missions as a result and raises implications for future missionary activity.