Book Review: For Christ and the University: The Story of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship of the U.S.A., 1940-1990 (original) (raw)

Missiology: An International Review, 1994

Abstract

For Christ and the University: The Story ofinterVarsity Christian Fellowship of the U.S.A., 1940-1990 By Keith and Gladys Hunt Downers Grove. IL: InterVarsity Press 1991. 454 pp.. paper, $19.95 Reviewed by James Stamoolis Keith and Gladys Hunt have produced not only a readable history, but have given an example of how histories like this can be written. They have combined archival research with personal interviews. Former IVCF staff themselves, they have exhibited an amazing fairness in handling the data. The organization of this book is by decades and by areas of the ministry. The chapter on the leadership crises of the 1980s is particularly well written. The faults and foibles of the board and the chief administrative officers are spelled out. The honesty of this history commends it. However, its value transcends the circle of those who have connection with IVCF. The resolution of the leadership crisis is worth studying as a case history for board relationships. For those engaged in developing indigenous work, the book is invaluable. IVCF was founded on the principle of university students reaching and discipling other university students. The professional staffwere there to provide training and encouragement, but the work was student led. In the 1940s and 1950s, staff and students studied the writings of Roland Allen on indigenous mission principles. Useful too is the reminder that university students have played a major role in the missionary enterprise. The Hunts survey the history of universities and the rise of student initiatives in mission, including the Student Volunteer Movement. Reading the book gives one the impression of reading a Who's Who of Protestant interdenominational and denominational missionary societies. Finally, one of the key lessons of the book is how IVCF was deeply connected with its cultural surroundings and how it sought to challenge the presuppositions of the culture and demonstrate the relevance of the Christian message in those settings. Is that not what missiology should be doing?

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