Haugean missionaries

Haugean missionaries were followers of Hans Nielsen Hauge, a Norwegian lay preacher and revivalist in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. They played a key role in spreading religious renewal, emphasizing personal faith, Bible study, and moral integrity outside formal church structures. These lay believers traveled, held meetings, and promoted spiritual awakening across Norway, fostering social and economic development. Their efforts contributed to increased literacy and community engagement, challenging traditional clergy authority and shaping Norwegian religious and cultural identity.