Leon M. Adkins

Leon M. Adkins (1896–1986)

Leon McKinley Adkins was an American Methodist minister, educator, hymn writer, and church leader whose contributions to Christian worship and discipleship left a lasting impact on twentieth-century Methodist hymnody. He is especially remembered for writing the missionary and discipleship hymn “Go, Make of All Disciples.”

Adkins was born on July 14, 1896, in Ticonderoga, the son of George H. Adkins and Lary L. Brooks Adkins. He pursued higher education at Middlebury College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1919, and later studied at Boston University School of Theology, where he received a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree in 1925. He was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in 1945.

Ordained in the Methodist tradition, Adkins served as a pastor in several New York congregations, including churches in Delmar, Schenectady, and Syracuse, from 1927 to 1955. His ministry emphasized Christian education, discipleship, and the mission of the local church.

In 1955, he became general secretary of the Division of the Local Church for the Board of Education of the Methodist Church, serving in that position until 1966. Through this role, he helped shape educational and worship resources for Methodist congregations across the United States.

Adkins also served on the committee responsible for preparing the 1964 Methodist hymnal, contributing to the development of modern Methodist worship materials.

Hymn writing

Leon M. Adkins is best known for the hymn:

“Go, Make of All Disciples”

This hymn is based on Christ’s Great Commission in Matthew 28:19–20 and calls the Church to evangelism, baptism, teaching, and faithful discipleship. Written in a clear and congregational style, the hymn became widely used in Methodist and ecumenical worship, especially during ordinations, mission services, and commissioning ceremonies.

His hymn writing reflected:

• Commitment to Christian mission

• The calling of the Church

• Biblical discipleship

• Educational ministry

• Evangelistic outreach

In addition to hymns, Adkins wrote religious poetry and devotional materials that supported the teaching ministry of the Church.

Leon McKinley Adkins died on October 11, 1986, in Saratoga Springs.

His legacy remains in hymns that continue to challenge believers to fulfill Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations.