Alexander Rattray Hay was not only a missionary but a church pioneer well before his time. As a student at Asbury Theological Seminary, I ran onto his book while working part-time as a “shelver” at the seminary library. I remember being struck with the seriousness of the volume - so completely unlike other “church” books I had read. The spirit of the author was unique as was his focus…Jesus, Himself.

This book possibly had the greatest positive influence on my journey discovering Jesus’ plan for His church. After reading “The New Testament Order for Church and Missionary”, I returned the volume and set about my own personal study of the New Testament in order to “double check” Mr. Hay’s findings. In this effort I was not disappointed.

The time you spend working your way through this volume will not be without reward. You will benefit by becoming acquainted with a fellow pilgrim who as a sincere seeker was rewarded with a precious find - the truths, though hidden in plain sight, concerning the church as Jesus intends to build it. His faith, his sincerity, his love for our Lord, and his pure desire to discover God’s will and way in the church will rub off on you and you will be richer for it.

One caveat: Mr. Hay at the time of publishing his book had strong suspicions regarding “speaking in tongues”. In some of his writings you will observe a tendency to suggest strict adherence to set patterns and ways of doing things. Frankly, at first I was a bit disappointed - like when you find a beautiful vase in a secondhand store, only to discover an unseemly chip on its rims’ edge.  Actually, this is what makes Mr. Hay’s work such a marvel of the grace of God.  And its discovery greatly encouraged me.  If our brother was human and God still worked mightily through him, then there is the possibility that being human myself, God can work wonders through me and through you as well.  We have this treasure in earthen vessels.

I had the distinct honor and privilege of speaking with Mr Hay’s son and hearing some of he stories about the author’s life. I asked about the time it must have required in order to write such a lengthy volume and learned that Alex Hay had contracted an unknown illness which prevented him from pursuing mission work for several or more years. During this time of physical inactivity, Mr. Hay wrote the volume.  After he finished, circumstances led to his illness being identified and diagnosed with a ready prescription available for its cure.

Additionally, I’ve spoken and corresponded with a saint, Sam Burton, whose parents were fellow-workers with the Hays.  Sam, who also spent his career as a missionary church planter and educator graciously reviewed my own book, “Can You Imagine? Discovering Jesus’ Plan for the New Testament Church”, and offered many insights, suggestion and encouragements.

If you’re interested in obtaining a copy of Mr. Hay’s book, there are some listed on Amazon.com or contact me.