Author TERRY VIRGO
Publisher NEW FRONTIERS USA
ISBN 0-9814803-2-9
Terry Virgo has been an influential man in the church scene in the United Kingdom
for at least thirty years. In this book he documents something of the journey he has
taken in obedience to the things the Lord has been showing him and the outcome
in the formation of the New Frontiers group of churches. This is a network of
assemblies still growing in various parts of Britain and in other parts of the world.
The tone of the book is one of a journey of faith, both of its author and the group of
churches that has come into being. They are of a charismatic persuasion and hold a
reformed theological stance magnifying the grace of God. The doctrine that there are
apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers today and that the church must
be restored to Christ’s original intention is prominent in their theology. They do not
believe that women should participate in those particular ministries; leadership is
male as far as they are concerned. The things recorded here, covering the period from
about 1960 to the present will be of interest to the British reader in particular. The
development of charismatic events during that period is documented here. The names
of men influential in the UK, many of whom Terry Virgo met and was influenced by
as a younger man are mentioned here. A veritable ‘who’s who’ of pioneering godly
men God used in those earlier decades as new streams of churches came into being,
some in houses that grew in various ways and took over old buildings or built new
ones, it really is the story of an adventure in following the Lord through mistakes
as well as successes and the willingness to be open to the way He makes worldwide
links at crucial times. Those looking for an autobiography that is more personal
concerning the life of the author will not find it here; it really is not ‘the growth of a
soul’ and ‘the growth of a work.’ It is much more the growth of a work influential in
recent British Christendom. There is not so much reflection on the path taken but the
manner of what was taken to be the Holy Spirit’s leading in the expanding emerging
network is emphasized. Books like this always have their quota of challenge and
instruction for the honest reader who desires to see God increase His church. Terry
Virgo is a church builder, committed to continue on in his pursuit of God and His
ways. Here is a thought from him “The way is ahead is unknown. The paths are not
well worn, but the promises are bright. We believe that more awaits us than we have
seen thus far. Let us invite people to join us on the adventure.”
