No Well-Worn Paths by Terry Virgo

by Terry Virgo

This is an autobiography by Terry Virgo, and the story of Newfrontiers. This fascinating account tells of Terry's conversion as a teenager, his subsequent baptism in the Spirit and his call from God to serve him as a Bible teacher and church leader.

Genres: Christian, Biography

Paperback

First published August 3, 2001

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encouraging account of how God has moved through NFI and stirring our prayers to see more of the same. Virgo unpacks his story with candor and journal-like reflection.

[James Pereira · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Mission is not the ultimate goal of the church; worship is. Mission exists because worship doesn't. God is seeking worshippers, and we have the high privilege of involvement with him in his great cause.” — John Piper

About the Book
Reading No Well-Worn Paths has been a truly exciting journey. It’s inspiring to see the hand of God over Terry Virgo’s life, as the book reads like a spiritual autobiography.

It begins with Terry as a wayward Christian before his life is transformed through baptism in the Holy Spirit. From there, everything changes. He becomes part of a small charismatic group of believers who met near Buckingham Street—people filled with the Spirit, praying in tongues, and freely moving in the gifts. The vibrancy of that early church community is contagious, and the book captures the excitement of those Spirit-filled days beautifully.

Later, Terry writes about the resistance he faced from within the church world—whether at college (LBC, London Bible College) or as a pastor—where many were cautious or even suspicious of charismatic expressions. For some, the gifts of the Spirit were relics of the apostolic age. Terry had to navigate tension and opposition, especially from elders with strong, differing views.

One humorous yet telling passage that stood out to me describes the “horizontal prayer” approach used in services—essentially teaching the congregation through prayer while everyone knew what was really happening:

“So a couple of lively songs would be followed by his strong voice urging us now to turn, for instance, to Isaiah 53, which he would read slowly and deliberately with all the defiance of an implied ‘follow that if you can.’ He also used the horizontal prayer method of teaching us a few things while apparently addressing the Lord. Everybody knew what was happening, and the meetings lurched on week by week. My co-elder from a Brethren background strongly endorsed his stance and began to be increasingly unhappy with developments. Sunday mornings were a mixture of pain and pleasure for me. I was always wondering what might happen next.”

It goes on to talk about the restoration movement, partnering with people like John Wimber, moments of revival in various parts of the world and powerful moves of God, both through corporate worship and impacting individuals.

Things That Resonated with Me
I could really identify with Terry’s feelings of disillusionment at times—especially regarding how local churches often seem far removed from the life and power described in Acts. We talk about the gifts of the Spirit, but we rarely see them in operation.

It’s often only at conferences or outside traditional church structures that I see believers moving freely in the Spirit. That reality grieves me deeply. Like Terry, I long to see a fresh breakthrough in the local church—where people pray in tongues, flow in the gifts, and experience the living presence of God together.

Aspects I Appreciated
Towards the end, especially in Chapter 27, “Turning the Contrast,” I found myself appreciating how (NFI, now Commission) approaches leadership, particularly regarding women and parachurch organizations. Reading his reflections helped me understand the reasoning and values behind some of NFI’s distinct practices.

I also loved his emphasis on Unity. Terry calls believers to honor one another and strive for unity in the faith—something we desperately need in a world marked by division and harsh words.

Overall
This book was a great encouragement to me—especially because I’ve personally benefited from the fruit of Terry Virgo’s ministry through the church plant in India. Many of the names he mentioned were familiar, and it was wonderful to see how God has used those people and movements to touch nations for His glory.

No Well-Worn Paths has deepened my love for the people around me and reignited my passion for mission work here in India.

⭐ 5/5 stars

“Indeed, there are no well-worn paths ahead of you—but together you can accomplish more than you could ever accomplish alone.”

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone whose faith journey has run its course in the mainstream denominations, I enjoyed reading this book immensely. Quite where the church in the UK would be without the charismatic renewal of the late 20th century I shudder to think. The breath of Holy Spirit revival was blowing through the lives of humble and obedient men and women such as Terry Virgo. And still the fruit of that revival is to be seen as Newfrontiers, Vineyard, Hillsongs, Salt and Light and others carry the torch of evangelism and outreach as the historical denominations contract. God bless you Terry Virgo and may God be praised for all that he achieved through you.

[Edward Maroncha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly good book.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book but could have been cut short by a few chapters. Concerned that Virgo mentioned a few names that have since been discredited namely, Kenneth Copeland, Paul Cain and Mike Bickle.

[Sam Oxby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic book, which I could warble on about for ages! It is a very easy to read book with short, concise chapters dealing with a huge, varied array of Christian principles and doctrine, as well as biographical information of Terry Virgo and New Frontiers as a family of churches.

The overwhelming message of the book that is that through the planting and expansion of New Frontiers churches the grace of God will be shown throughout the UK and the nations. The fundamental principle of being covered by God's grace and set right with Him from the offset is such an encouragement to all, whether they may feel they are too far gone or bad to be accepted by Christ, or that they must work harder for Salvation. The message is clear - You are accepted! Just as you are!

The book also speaks of the need to be 'on the move' as the church, ready to take this message to those who do not know, and to be filled with the Spirit, and in constant fellowship with the Holy Spirit - letting Him lead us where we should be, both physically and in our spiritual growth as a Christian.

It draws on the need for spiritual maturity and unity within the church as a whole, for the Glory of God and the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

If you have ever asked, what is the point of church? What can God possibly offer me? Why would I be interested in God or Christianity? Or, is the church relevant today? This book will open your eyes to things you possibly never even knew existed.

Highly, highly recommended! You can borrow my copy!

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terry's story is both comical and encouraging. What a great testimony to God's faithfulness in the life of His children and God's faithful care and advancement of His Church. Easy read that I'd highly recommend.

[Christopher Brehm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent autobiography of Terry Virgo and his work over the last several decades. Very interesting history of the charismatic movement as well.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intresting insight into the life of a man of God and what God can do with one person when they are willing to follow God whole heartliy. Inspirational read.