Robert E. Speer

Robert E. Speer
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Robert E. Speer: Prophet of the American Church

Information on Robert E. Speer from the publisher:

Robert E. Speer, ecumenist, missionary spokesman, loyal Presbyterian, and devoted family man, was one of the most remarkable personalities in the history of American Christianity. Although his name is not well known today, in the early twentieth century he was viewed as the outstanding missionary statesman of his era and one of our leading American churchmen.In this comprehensive and accessible biography, Piper tells of Speer's work with the Student Volunteer Movement, his high-profile role as secretary of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, his service as moderator during the fundamentalist-modernist controversy in his church, and his tireless work in the often controversial fields of missions and ecumenical relations. In his later years Speer turned his attention to issues of ministry in wartime, the problems of racism, and the role of women in the church.This biography is the first serious effort to tell Speer's story. It not only lifts up his life and ministry but goes beyond that to tell the story of Protestantism in America in the first half of the twentieth century. Though Speer's contributions do not complete this story, they do enhance it. With his involvement in Presbyterianism, foreign missions, ecumenism, the church's response to war and racism, and his advocacy for leadership roles for women in the church, Robert Speer established himself as a prophet of the American church.

Description of John F. Piper, author of Robert E. Speer:

(PUBWestminster/John Knox)A layleader extraordinaire! During his 46-year career as secretary of foreign missions for the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A., he influenced such prominent church leaders as Henry Sloane Coffin, John Mackay, and John D. Rockefeller; helped shape church policy; and increased the funding for world missions. 448 pages, hardcover.