Indigenous Church and the Missionary

by Melvin L. Hodges, L. John Bueno (Foreword)

Early in his minstry in Central America, Hodges became firmly convinced that training national workers was the key to effectively evangelizing an country. The Central American church experienced rapid growth in the early 1950's. In 1953, Hodges was asked to expound on the church planting principles used, so he wrote The Indigenous Church. This new volume combines Hodges' book The Indigenous Church with a later work, The Indigenous Church and Missionary. These books have had incredible influence on missions worldwide. This new edition offers a fresh look at proven missions methodology for a new generation answering the call to reach the lost and to establish the Church worldwide.

Genres: Discipleship, Church

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Paige Cuthbertson| Turning_Every_Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good, practical book. Lots of important points raised here, and a lot of good advice given. Very biblical and sound! Just verrrrry academic and dry.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually two books combined into one paperback. The first book, The Indigenous Church, is definitely worth reading. The author provides many practical points that some missionaries overlook. The end goal of a missionary is to establish churches that are self-propagating, self-supporting, and self-governing. Unfortunately, the author digresses and promotes national, denominational organizations. He even implies that the collective group of churches form a "national church." This is contrary to the Biblical teaching of independent, local congregations (which, ironically, the author does a great job of explaining). Perhaps the author had to tow the line of the denomination. A few reference's to Pentecostal doctrine were not overly distracting. The book was an easy read and well organized.

The second book, The Indigenous Church and the Missionary, spent far too much time dealing with the national organization and little time discussing the Biblical role of the missionary.

I gave this a 4-star rating because of the first book. The second book was not worth the time.

[Hannah Heilman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as a part of my missionary training. While not all of it was relevant for me, it gave me some great ministry ideas. I also realized the importance of the national church and helping them grow rather than overseeing all church/administrative tasks. This book definitely helped me further recognize what my role as a missionary is. I will say that this book was SUPER dry and outdated at parts. It could use an update and more relevant examples (they were all about the LAC region).

[ArrowBreaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written, practical, insightful, and straightforward.

It reinforced many ideas I’ve been taught on this subject while emphasizing possible pain points that occur along the way in the ministry. All who apply the principles in this book will exercise wisdom.

[Missy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two books in one volume. It’s hard to rate these…really dry information. I agree with the concept but found some of it following a little too close to law than grace. Something important to have read for work.

[Dustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book on how the missionary works to start indigenous churches and evangelize his county effectively.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good practical guide.

[Daryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

While obviously dated in language and situation, Hodges remains a vital resource filled with insight, challenge, and example to follow.

[Kaitlyn Pindak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good and some concerns… thankful for this read! May update more later

1st read for Intercultural Church Planting: 4/22-28/2025
3.5/5 🌟