Henry Venn Missions’ Theories: Guide to Nigerian Baptist Convention

In attempt to unravel the financial difficulties of the NBC, the researcher discovered that the parent denomination from the USA was the principal obstacle. She over pampered the NBC financially. Before the latter could realize it and respond to her responsibilities, several complex issues became involved. Lack of access of the missionaries to the native converts, restriction of Christianity to Yorubaland and missionaries were remote from the cities, coupled with doctrines that were anti to African cultures. Missionaries took pride in making African Christians Europeans. Venn’s missionary policies on native church became an eye opener for the above financial constraint. His theories were specifically towards religious affairs. Besides, Judging from the lenses of the Three-selves policies applied lately, NBC became nurtured into full self reliance. It gradually led to a policy of attrition and severance from the mission. Also became a blessing in disguise. Absence of the missionaries made NBC to rise to the challenges for self reliance. It became a confirmation to Venn’s cry for the independence of a native church. Thus his yearning for the African Church became a reality.