National transformation

The Haugian movement was countrywide, contributing to the broadening of the worldview of the citizens from the local to the national level. During Hauge's lifetime, people were transformed from just seeing themselves as part of a lower class in a small district to remaking themselves into mobile individuals, citizens of a nation, with the responsibility and the possibility of influencing the future of Norway. The people increasingly learned to see themselves as individuals in a national context, contributed to the development of a national consciousness which in turn contributed to a growing sense of nationhood. Eventually this led to an increasing desire for national independence.  Then in 1814, Norway received its own constitution. Hauge himself was not involved in the writing, but among the 112 men at Eidsvoll, there were three Haugians. The former president of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee, Professor Francis Sejersted declared, "The Hauge movement was a major contributing factor for developing democracy in Norway."

Hauge became the spiritual leader of the Societies of Friends which grew around him, and he also became the acknowledged leader for the business ventures which he initiated.

His “societies” were distinguished by the fact that the people lived in community, helping one another both practically and spiritually. They behaved righteously and were hardworking, and never refused anybody if they could be of assistance. They showed initiative, charity and sacrifice. Many of the cottage industries started by the Haugians were financed with the help of gifts from other friends all over the country.  These societies did not discriminate: the old class distinctions of the traditional culture were gradually wiped out, so that men and women, farmers and servants, the crippled and the elderly were all treated as equals.  Unselfish love and cooperation distinguished them from all other groups. Haugians spent much time together. They taught and advised one another on spiritual as well as practical things. The letters and writings of Hauge were also read diligently for all to hear and see. 

Multiplication strategy

Hauge followed the example of Jesus in reproducing Himself in the life of others.  Upon receiving the call on his life, he began to reproduce himself in the lives of others. He used the same strategy as Jesus did. As he traveled, he knitted as he walked.  He talked to those who have time to talk with him, and trained them to work and do it for God.  He would do it with them, and then ask them to do it themselves; and then he moves on to the next place. In just seven years of active ministry, Hauge left a grassroots movement that influenced the development of Norway which continues to the present day. 

Hauge guided the Society of Friends through his letters. He was very diligent in writing letters with admonitions, personal greetings and spiritual guidance.  As the cottage industries developed, the business content of his letters also grew. For him there was no discrepancy in including both spiritual and business matters in the same letter. He would mention the possibilities of various trading and business ventures, and he would ask the people to send him some corn to be used in the establishment of new ventures.  Interest in reading his writings stimulated many people to learn to read and write. This contributed to a general increase of literacy, knowledge and education in the population. It was well-known that Haugians read a great deal and that they were knowledgeable people, so that many Haugians would receive positions of trust and influence in the community. He also developed a set of ethics based on kingdom values.

When Norway became an independent nation in 1814, these kingdom values were integrated into the rhythm of daily life and were institutionalized into laws, school curricula and business practices in Norway. Economic conditions improved and led to the eradication of poverty in the land. Today, Norway continues to be the best country in the world in human development for the seventh year in a row. Norwegians have imbibed this spirit of volunteerism and have stretched their sense of responsibility from involvement in their local community beyond to the global community of nations.  So Norway has the highest ratio of missionaries per capita, and most unusually in holistic and transformational servant-leadership roles. Through the Nobel prizes, it recognizes accomplished leaders in science, economics and peace-making.  Here the culture has been transformed, the values of the kingdom of God manifested in all spheres of life. This national transformation has seen God’s kingdom culture passed on from generation to generation!  May this happen among all nations in the world!