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Donald A. McGavran Papers on Microfilm
CFT00126
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Title: Donald A. McGavran Papers on Microfilm
Dates: 1917-1977
Collection Number: CFT00126
Creator/Collector:
McGavran, Donald A. (Donald Anderson) (1897-1990)
Extent: 1 Box, 0.5 linear feet
Repository:
Fuller Theological Seminary-David Allan Hubbard Library Archives
Pasadena, California 91182
Abstract: Donald McGavran (Dec 15, 1897 - July 10, 1990), also known as “the Father of the Church Growth Movement,” was the founding
Dean of the School of World Mission at Fuller Theological Seminary. The microfilm collection contains copies of documents
related McGavran’s life and ministry from 1897 - 1965.
Language of Material: English
Accessible with general microfiche collections. Scholarly use within parameters of copyright law.
All rights reserved.
Donald A. McGavran Papers on Microfilm. Fuller Theological Seminary-David Allan Hubbard Library Archives
Biography/Administrative History
Donald McGavran (Dec 15, 1897 - July 10, 1990), also known as “the Father of the Church Growth Movement,” was the founding
Dean of the School of World Mission at Fuller Theological Seminary. Dr. McGavran served as Dean from 1965-1971, and was Emeritus
faculty from 1980-1990. The United Christian Missionary Society of the Disciples of Christ Church sent the McGavrans as missionaries
to central India in 1923. During his work, McGavran’s philosophy of mission altered from primarily evangelistic work to focus
on developing the spiritual lives of Christian believers through discipleship.
In 1958, McGavran resigned from mission work and pursued his goal to start an academic school focusing on church growth. He
began the Institute of Church Growth at Northwest Christian College in Eugene, Oregon in 1961. The Institute transitioned
to Fuller Theological Seminary in 1965. It was renamed the Graduate School of World Mission and Institute of Church Growth.
Scope and Content of Collection
The microfilm collection contains copies of documents related McGavran’s life and ministry from 1897 - 1965. The collection
consists of eleven rolls of microfilm labeled Introduction, Letters (rolls 1-8), Manuscripts (rolls 8-10) and Minutes. The
box also includes a bound volume index, entitled "Donald Anderson McGavran: A Register of His Papers in the Northwest Christian
College Library, Special Collections Division."
Church growth
Missions
Missiology
McGavran, Donald A. (Donald Anderson) (1897-1990)
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
India