Today’s Leader of Faith
JOHANN LEONHARD DOBER
Home Call : 1 April 1766
Missionary, Evangelist, Church Leader, Bishop
Johann Leonhard Dober (1706–1766) was a German missionary and one of the pioneering members of the Moravian Church’s mission movement. He is best known for his mission work among enslaved Africans in the Caribbean. He Joined the Moravian movement led by Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf. They were even willing to sell themselves into slavery if necessary to preach the Gospel. But white slavery was prohibited. He became a leader in the Moravian Church and served as a bishop. Later, he was consecrated as a bishop and served in Livonia from 1745, frequently traveling to England, Holland, and Silesia. His mission helped establish the Moravian Church’s reputation for global missionary efforts, inspiring many other missionaries.
Dober was born on March 7, 1706, in Mönchsroth, Swabia, Germany, and learned the trade of pottery from his father. He converted to Christianity at 17 while visiting the Moravian church in Herrnhut. On July 24, 1731, he was inspired by Count Zinzendorf’s talk about missions to Caribbean slaves, particularly a former slave, Anthony Ulrich, who believed they would welcome Christian missionaries. Feeling called to this mission, Dober and his friend Tobias Leupold prepared to go, despite initial opposition from the Moravian Brethren. The matter was settled by drawing lots. Dober was approved to go, while Leupold was told to wait. Instead, David Nitschmann was chosen to accompany Dober in establishing the mission.
Leonard Dober and David Nitschmann, blessed by Count Zinzendorf on August 20, 1732, traveled to Copenhagen to secure passage to St. Thomas. Despite facing opposition, including doubts from Anthony Ulrich, they remained resolute, pledging to support themselves through their trades. With assistance from a court officer, they set sail on October 8, 1732, arriving Africa on December 13. Living modestly, he preached to the enslaved Africans and saw some success. Nitschmann departed after a few weeks, while Dober remained until 1734. His efforts laid the foundation for Moravian missionaries, establishing churches across the Caribbean and baptizing 13,000 converts. He returned to Europe after being appointed Chief Elder of the Moravian Brethren. As the mission expanded globally, he realized he could no longer fulfil the role. His resignation in 1741 led the Moravian Unity to affirm that Jesus Christ alone is the true Head and Chief Elder of the Church.
Dober returned to Herrnhut, where he served on the Moravian Brethren’s directing board. He spent his final years there and passed away at the age of 60. He was laid to rest in God’s Acre, the community graveyard on Hutberg Hill in Herrnhut, Saxony, Germany.