William Ward is the lesser known third member of the famed Serampore Trio, together with William Carey and Joshua Marshman. In The Spirituality of William Ward, Matthew Reynolds convincingly argues that Ward’s irenic spirituality—even more than his service as the printer of Bibles and evangelistic literature—was indispensable in the success and longevity of the Baptist Mission Society’s first endeavor. Reynolds draws on extensive research of first-hand accounts and his personal experience in Kolkata, India, to introduce his readers to this venerable missionary.

This book is not a traditional biography, merely telling the story of William Ward’s life and ministry. While Reynolds’s first chapter is biographical, the remainder focuses on Ward’s spirituality. Reynolds explains, “This work focuses on the beliefs that animate the life—the convictions that made Ward tick—and then asks the question, ‘What kind of man did these beliefs produce?’” (p. 4). Even so, if you are looking for biographical material about Ward, Reynolds does not disappoint. His biographical section is extremely informative and thorough, and he provides ample documentation for readers who desire to learn details of Ward’s life.

After the introduction and biography of chapter 1, Reynolds focuses on developing Ward’s spirituality. He leads readers through Ward’s spiritual growth from apprentice printer and social activist to his calling to local church ministry and international missions. Chapter 2 explores the historical-theological context of Ward’s evangelical Calvinism, describing the outworking of Ward’s spirituality “marked by a warmth and affability that endeared him to all who knew him” (p. 98). Chapter 3 discusses Ward’s significant impact on both the unity of the Serampore mission team and peaceful relationships with missionaries from other denominations. Chapter 4 examines three case studies where the absence of Ward’s peacemaking influence could have proved disastrous for the Serampore group. Finally, chapter 5 concludes with a brief assessment of Ward’s legacy.

Reynolds’s treatment of William Ward’s spirituality is important in a polarized and contentious age. Interpersonal conflict has been a recurring problem from the beginning of missions history (Acts 15:36–41). Missionaries like Ward are needed to fulfill a Barnabas-type, peacemaker role when disagreements, conflicts, and hardships arise. Reynolds presents an opportunity for current missionaries to learn from a lesser-known missionary who served alongside names and personalities that loom as large today as they did in the 1800s.

Ward’s spirituality, which includes spiritual disciplines and Christian character, provides a reminder that the spiritual lives of missionaries are essential to the missionary task. Ward was quick to place the needs of others before his own preferences. He submitted to leadership even while expressing his disagreement on matters of theology and ecclesiology. He supported others in work they felt called to, even if he disagreed with the strategic value of the work. Finally, Ward sought to partner with other denominations to the extent that it was possible but did not compromise on essentials.

While The Spirituality of William Ward is an edited doctoral dissertation, Reynolds writes in a clear, accessible style. The book is heavily footnoted but is not oppressively academic. Furthermore, while appendices are rarely given much attention, Reynolds’s appendices include more profound insights into Ward’s spiritual practices and character. The two appendices provide a resource for those who may want to implement or adapt some of the spiritual practices described in the book.

Reynolds leaves the reader to infer contemporary applications from his description of Ward’s life and spirituality. The final chapter briefly addresses some insights relevant to missionaries today, but the abbreviated treatment of these matters concludes the book. Readers looking for detailed applications and contemporary mission strategies should realize this is not the author’s primary objective.

Reynolds delivers a joyful introduction to the life and spirituality of William Ward. Furthermore, he depicts and shares Ward’s irenic and joyful spirit. Current and future missionaries will benefit from this book as they seek to cultivate their own spirituality. Ward provides pastors with a model for encouraging spiritual practices and character in missionaries they prepare and send out from their church. In The Spirituality of William Ward, Matthew Reynolds offers a compelling introduction to William Ward and serves as a reminder of the need for further research into the lives and spirituality of lesser-known missionaries whose stories can encourage, inspire, and equip future generations.