Francke, August Hermann (1663-1727)
Place of Birth: Lubeck, Germany
Description: A leader of Pietism
Background: Taught at U. of Leipzig (1684); organized Bible study class of university teachers (1686); converted in 1687; read Scriptures in Greek and Hebrew
Notable Teachings: Met Spener, pietistic preacher, at Leipzig (1688) and adhered to his teachings; taught Oriental languages, Greek, theology at U. of Halle; followed principles of Spener in instruction – need of a conversion experience, use of Bible, prayer and after class
Christian Work: Called to preach at Erfurt and Halle (1691); established many institutions: seven schools for children, school for children of nobility and wealthy, seminary, chem laboratory and pharmacy, Bible society, bookstore, bindery, print shop, boarding school for poor students, home for widows and poor, all institutions were missionary training centers
Notable Acquaintance: Had close contact with Zinzendorf while Zinzendorf was attending his Paedagogium
Writings: Peter C. Erb, ed., Pietists. Selected Writings, New York: Paulist Press, 1983.
