Understanding Church Growth [Paperback]

Donald Anderson McGavran (Author), C. Peter Wagner (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1990

Author Donald A. McGavran is considered a founder of the Church Growth Movement in America. In this 3rd edition of his standard work, McGavaran analyzes the causes, methods and strategies for successful church growth both in America and abroad.

Product Details

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; 3 Rev Sub edition (July 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802804632
• ISBN-13: 978-0802804631
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #364,696 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic in evangelism/missiology, November 10, 2002

By 

D. T. Gregory "D T Gregory" (San Jose, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Understanding Church Growth (Paperback)

This revised edition is the place to get both the broadest and deepest exposure to the thinking of one of the twentieth century's most important missiologists. It is better than the first edition in applying the theses developed in India and elsewhere to the North American situation. It is better than the third edition, revised and edited by his student C. Peter Wagner, in conveying McGavran's passion.
Although the book includes biblical and theological research and reflection, case studies from contemporary missions on many continents, and illustrations from little-known periods of older church history, much is presented with the passion of a good sermon or courtroom argument.
The major thesis is that "missions" or "evangelism" must be seen as the task of persuading people to become committed followers of Jesus Christ and responsible members of local churches. The secondary thesis is that this can be accomplished only by understanding the receiver of the Christian message as well as the message itself. On the basis of these convictions, he argues the legitamacy and importance of keeping thorough and accurate records, of asking hard questions in statistical and case study research, and using the insights of the social sciences in developing mission strategy.
Persons who view the Church Growth Movement as obsessed with numbers, marketing, megachurches, or merely the despised (and usually misunderstood and misquoted)"Homogeneous Unit Principle" would do well to go the primary document of the movement which takes its name from his groundbreaking studies and teaching.
There are things to argue with here, and plenty have done so, both with and without actually reading what he said. But there is so much to learn--and do. Anyone serious about evangelistic strategy should become familiar with the concepts McGavran introduced or illuminated.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Helpful, November 9, 2010

By 

Dr. Terry W. Dorsett "Author of Developing Le... (Barre, Vermont) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding Church Growth (Paperback)

Many church growth books promote short lived fads that may produce some quick but typically not long lasting results. This book has stood the test of time for giving practical concepts that churches can use to grow. When you tired of all the fads, come back to this classis and learn what you need to grow the church you lead.