A Missional Leadership History

The Journey from Wycliffe Bible Translators to the Wycliffe Global Alliance

By Kirk J Franklin and Susan Van Wynen with Deborah Crough

A Missional Leadership History explores the origins of Wycliffe Bible Translators from the passion and vision of a few to a worldwide movement for Bible translation in God’s mission as he makes his name known.

How did God change, mould, and equip Wycliffe Bible Translators and its people through the years? Who was involved? How did they make decisions? What challenges did they face? What lessons can we learn from their journey? Studying official records of Wycliffe International (Wycliffe Global Alliance) from 1942 to 2020, the authors let these documents speak, revealing the thinking of the times. They have also enriched the narrative by placing it in the context of current events, church history, and leadership trends. This unique historical and missiological exploration offers first-hand insights into how mission leaders grappled with the growing and evolving global church, responding in ways that ultimately altered the very fabric of what the original leaders had created. It invites readers to learn from the past and reflect on their own participation in God’s mission today and for the future.

A Missional Leadership History is free to download:

Click here to download - epub or pdf

The printed book can be purchased from Regnum Books.

For more about the story behind this book see: 'When you look back, you can see a map'

Video about the book

About the Authors

Kirk J Franklin (PhD, University of Pretoria) is a researcher, author, and speaker about leading in God’s global mission. He is married to Christine, and they have been members of Wycliffe Bible Translators for over 40 years. They live in Melbourne, Australia.

Susan Van Wynen (PhD, University of Pretoria) is a strategy consultant with a background in organizational and communication strategy. She and her husband, Tom, have been members of Wycliffe Bible Translators for over 35 years. They live in Hampton, Virginia, USA.

Deborah Crough, a member of Wycliffe Bible Translators for 37 years, is currently a communications consultant. With her husband, Dave, she has worked in various feature article writing and editorial roles. She lives in Santa Maria, California, USA.

- Monika Kuschmierz, Director of Scripture Union International and vice-chair of FOBAI

The changing world and growing organisations require a dynamic leadership pattern able to respond to the challenges of the times. A Missional Leadership History describes leadership theory and theology, as well as practical examples of leadership pilgrimages that have made it through these changing times. An essential book for mission and church leaders and those who wish to serve God in their generation.

- Bambang Widjaja, Chairperson of The Communion of Churches in Indonesia

Book Details

Book Title: A Missional Leadership History: The Journey from Wycliffe Bible Translators to the Wycliffe Global Alliance
Authors Names: Kirk Franklin and Susan Van Wynen with Deborah Crough
Year of Publication: 2022
Number of Pages: 518
ISBNs: 978-1-914454-65-3 Paperback; 978-1-914454-66-0 eBook

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International License.