As I reflect on my seminary studies at Southwestern Seminary in the mid-1980s, many of my classes have had a direct and lasting impact on my missionary work. Courses in missions and evangelism, for example, provided both theological grounding and practical application. However, one class that shaped me in ways I did not anticipate was Church History. I had a remarkable professor who made history come alive, and the subject quickly became one of my favorites at Southwestern. Decades later, I still remember those lessons, and I still apply them on the mission field.
Ministry on the “Prodigal Continent”
Much of church history unfolded in Europe. During my 32 years in Spain, I’ve had the privilege of visiting many of these historic sites: Westminster Cathedral, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London; Bethlehem Chapel in Prague, where Jan Hus preached; and, of course, Wittenberg, Germany, where Martin Luther famously nailed his Ninety-Five Theses. Spain, too, is rich in ecclesiastical heritage. Among the most significant sites for me have been San Isidoro del Campo in Seville, where hundreds of monks and nuns came to faith during the Reformation; Avila, where Saint Teresa and John of the Cross ministered; and Alcalá de Henares, known for its Bible translation work. Yet Spain also bears the scars of persecution—plazas where Bibles were burned and museums displaying the instruments of torture once used against Protestants.
Like much of Western Europe, Spain has become known as the “prodigal continent.” Its people have largely turned away from God. Today, Spain ranks as the fifth most atheistic country in the world, with 60% of Spaniards expressing a negative view of God. Evangelical Christians make up less than 2% of the population. While Protestant congregations are growing, this growth is primarily due to believers from Latin America rather than native Spaniards. Some even claim that the number of Spanish believers has plateaued—or is declining. Spain has become unmistakably post-Christian.
Every mission field presents its own challenges. Some say it is easier to take the gospel to those who have never heard it than to those who have rejected it. We would agree. Much of our ministry in Spain involves “unteaching” misconceptions about Christianity before we can teach biblical truth. Tragically, the state church has often contributed to this confusion; as some have said, it is the largest producer of atheists in the country.
This is where a firm grasp of church history becomes invaluable. The stories of past believers and movements enrich our “toolbox” for evangelism, providing historical testimonies that resonate with the people we serve. Three figures, in particular, have helped shape our conversations and outreach: James the Greater, Augustine, and Martin Luther.
James the Greater
The origins of Christianity in Spain remain uncertain. Evangelical scholars generally believe that early Christian communities were established by Jewish converts fleeing persecution from Jerusalem. Catholic tradition, however, claims that the apostle James the Greater went to Spain in A.D. 40 and preached in Zaragoza. According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared to him to encourage his ministry and instructed him to build a church there in her honor. After returning to Jerusalem in A.D. 44, he was martyred by King Herod, and his remains were said to have been returned to Spain for burial in Galicia, where the city of Santiago now claims to house his tomb. The legend of his appearance at the Battle of Clavijo to help Christian forces against the Moors cemented his status as a protector of Spain. He was later declared the patron saint of Spain in 1630.
Hence, it’s plain to see that James the Greater occupies a significant place in Spanish Catholic devotion. While we acknowledge that Scripture neither confirms nor denies his presence in Spain, historical evidence suggests that his remains likely never left Jerusalem. Nonetheless, when discussing this story with Spaniards, our aim is not to destroy cherished traditions but to build on shared truths—that James was a faithful follower of Christ who gave his life for the gospel.
Each year, nearly half a million people walk the Camino de Santiago, one of the world’s most famous pilgrimages. Once a purely Catholic practice, it now attracts pilgrims of all backgrounds. Along the route, several evangelical ministries have emerged to serve travelers and share the gospel. Our family has volunteered at one such lodge about sixty miles from Santiago, offering hospitality, conversation, and prayer. Many pilgrims know little about James himself. We often ask, “Who was James—and whom did he follow?” This simple question opens meaningful conversations about discipleship, sacrifice, and faith. Church history, once again, provides an entry point for sharing timeless truth with grace and discernment.
Augustine of Hippo
Augustine of Hippo remains one of the most influential figures of early Christianity. His profound theological system and personal testimony continue to speak powerfully to post-Christian societies like Spain. Though many Spaniards reject institutional religion, younger generations are often open to spirituality. Augustine’s dramatic conversion—prompted by hearing a child’s voice saying, “Take it and read,” and his subsequent encounter with Romans 13:13–14—captures their imagination.
We frequently share Augustine’s story with our friends, encouraging them to read the Bible for themselves. Sadly, many Spaniards own a Bible but have never opened it, having been taught that it is unreliable or irrelevant. Augustine’s example demonstrates that God can use His Word to transform even the most skeptical heart. We also recommend Augustine’s Confessions and The City of God, praying that readers will discover, as he did, that true wisdom and peace begin with a personal encounter with Christ.
Martin Luther
Naturally, my studies in church history included the life and legacy of Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. Luther’s journey of faith provides a powerful framework for sharing the gospel in a culture steeped in Catholic tradition. Many Spaniards who actively practice their faith do so with great devotion—attending mass daily, giving alms, praying the rosary, and observing the sacraments—yet few have assurance of salvation. They continue striving to earn God’s favor through works.
Although most Spaniards have heard of the Reformation, what they know is often distorted. Luther is sometimes portrayed as a heretic or even a madman who abandoned “the true church.” We clarify that Luther never sought to leave the Catholic Church but to reform it according to biblical truth—famously declaring, “I am more Catholic than the Pope!”
Luther’s encounter with Romans 1:17—“The just shall live by faith”—remains transformative. We share how Luther’s desperate attempts to earn salvation through penance and self-denial led only to despair until he discovered justification by faith alone. This revelation challenges Spaniards who continue striving for divine approval through religious works. Many have since found peace in the same truth Luther discovered: salvation is by grace through faith alone.
A Small Part in a Big Story
Church history demonstrates that God has faithfully sustained His Church through every generation. Even in the darkest times, His light has never been extinguished. I am deeply grateful for my studies in this field, which continue to inform and inspire my ministry. Revisiting these stories reminds me that, as Jesus promised, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
We have witnessed this truth firsthand in Spain. Our calling is simple yet profound—to show up, to work, and to trust the Builder of the Church. Church history confirms this enduring promise, and we are honored to play our small part in that unfolding story.
