Hiebert, Paul G. (1932-2007)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2007 Apr 16 p. 3

Birth date: 1932 Nov 13

text of obituary:

MB missiologist, mission worker in Inda dies

By Myra Holmes

Christian Leader

Paul G. Hiebert, former Mennonite Brethren missionary to India and internationally recognized missiologist, died of cancer march 11. He was 74.

Hiebert was a third-generation MB missionary to India, having been born Nov. 13, 1932, to missionaries John and Anna Jungas Hiebert in Shamshabad, India, and serving there from 1959 to 1965 with his wife, Frances.

"His own experiences in India were often the basis for his keen insights on bridging of cultures in global mission," said Harold Ens, former director of the MB mission agency.

Hiebert was also an educator, most recently professor of mission and anthropology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Ill. Prior to that, he taught at the University of Washington in Seattle and Fuller theological seminary in Pasadena, Calif.

He was a graduate of Tabor College, in Hillsboro, Kan., and Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif., and earned his doctorate in anthropology from the University of Minnesota.

Greg Waybright, president of Trinity Internaitonal University called Hiebert "one of the leading global Christians of the past century." His expertise was widely sought in both MB circles and in the broader evangelical world. He was often called upon as a resource person and consultant for MB missions projects.

At a 2004 consultation on missiology in Hiebert's honor, it was said Hiebert influenced thousands of lives. Colleagues and former students described Hiebert as both modest and brilliant, an original thinker and a man of gracious integrity who"radiated" his identity as an Anabaptist.

Hiebert's influence was extended by the more than 150 articles and books he authored.

Hiebert continued to teach after retirement, mentoring international students and teaching in India, Singapore, Australia and Brazil.

Ens said Hiebert "was committed to the raining of non-Western missiologists not only through his role as a professor but also through close personal mentoring of students and overseas leaders."