Roland Allen

Roland Allen (1868–1947) was an English missionary strategist and pioneer of indigenous church‐planting. After twelve years in China, he challenged conventional mission practices with his groundbreaking book Missionary Methods: St. Paul’s or Ours?, arguing for faith-based support and self-governing, self-supporting local churches. His writings on evangelism and mission theology influenced generations of mission leaders, emphasizing reliance on the Holy Spirit and the apostolic example. Allen’s legacy endures in movements that prioritize local leadership, sustainable church growth, and Scripture-rooted mission principles.