Hiebert, Paul G. (1932-2007)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2007 Apr 16 p. 3 & "Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2007 Apr p.31

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."

Editor's Note: the following obituary appeared in the MB Herald:

Paul G. Hiebert died Mar. 11 after a battle with cancer. He was born in India in 1932 to missionaries John and Anna Hiebert. After 6 years of service with MB Mission and Service International in India, Paul earned a doctoral degree in cultural anthropology and taught for some years in secular universities. Subsequently, he taught missions and anthropology at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, Cal. (1977 -1990) and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Highland Park, III. (1990-2007). A prolific writer, Paul published more than 150 articles and 10 books. His colleagues will remember him for his efforts to bring the insights and skills of anthropology to the theory and practice of Christian mission, and for his contribution to the critical realist approach to epistemology. His students will remember him for his generosity and care . Paul was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His family will remember him for playing rough and tumble with kids, enjoying family camping, celebrating all events at Chinese restaurants, eating hot curry till dripping with sweat, travelling so much he could hardly be found, and faithfully having family devotions. Predeceased by his wife Frances Flaming Hiebert in 1999, he is mourned by children Eloise (Michael) Meneses, Barbara (Bryan) Rowe, and John (Jane) Hiebert-White; 4 grandchildren; 6 sisters. The funeral was Mar. 17 at Wellspring Church of Skippack, Pa.