Bridges of God: A Study in the Strategy of Missions

by Donald Anderson McGavran

Dr. McGavran wrote 'Bridges of God' "in the hope that it will shed light on the process of how peoples become Christian, and help direct the attention of those who love the Lord to the highways of the Spirit along which His redemptive Church can advance"

Genres: Theology, Christian

174 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1981

Reviews

[C.J. Moore · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though this was and still is a monumental book in the field of missiology, based on Goodreads standards, I can only give this 2 stars because I think "it was [just] ok." (I certainly didn't find myself "liking it.") McGavran was certainly a great aid to us in so many areas of missiology (e.g., advocating for priority in mission, noting that the end of missions should be planting churches, following Paul's model for missions [though I have some caveats], proposing a greater indigeneity in missions, and helping us to understand the importance of peoples, not just places). However, I find his thinking to be highly driven by pragmatism and American ingenuity. While it's admirable that his aim is to have more converts (who doesn't want this?), I still question the quality of those converts if extra-biblical means are used to gain those converts (e.g., group conversion, lower expectations for repentance, and homogeneous churches that allow for churches to be formed on the basis of race, prejudice, pride, and preferences). In the name of rapidity, McGavran makes many suggestions. While rapidity can and should be desired as a *goal* in our work (i.e., disciples reproducing quickly in comparison to the norm), I still see it dangerous as a *strategy* since we cannot contrive revival ourselves, something that is a move of the Holy Spirit.

As well, if McGavran's suggestions are adhered to, and I think for the most part that they have been, the norm will become sending more of our missionaries (short-, mid-, or long-term) to places of greater receptivity and less missionaries to pioneer contexts (i.e., UPGs and UUPGs), thus mischaracterizing a Great Commission that calls us not to just make as many disciples as possible but to strategically and intentionally make disciples of all nations.

I've got much more I could say, and I soon will in a dissertation that only a handful of people will read. :)

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's hard to review this book - it's well written, and McGavran was working from the best knowledge he knew how at the time. Unfortunately, this book has caused most of the problems of the church we see today, by elevating growth and numbers above depth of character, and encouraging homogenous church units instead of bearing the conflict of diversity. It's a must read, and must disagree.

[Michael Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wonder how much research and follow up has been done on the premise of people groups and growth today? It certainly seems McGavran got it right with his observation that church growth takes place through people groups. Many national ministries are effective. I wonder how we might apply this approach in the U.S.? Partly through small groups. Anyone interested in the history and workings of missions needs to read and consider this book.

[James Creasman · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most influential books in my life shaping how I look at evangelism across cultures and reaching societies with the Gospel.

[Josh Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent read. This book was written in 1955 and is a book on the philosophy & strategy of missions. I would love to hear a current missionary's take on this book. It gives two different viewpoints on strategies...that of the "Mission Station" approach and that of the "Peoples Movement" approach. Thought provoking proposals concerning the reaching of the world for Christ.

[Pablo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Major point of McGraven involved having missions focus on reaching a people rather than reaching individuals.