Dale Fiers: A Twentieth-Century Disciple - Hardcover

Cummins, D. Duane

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0875652786 ISBN 13: 9780875652788

Publisher: TCU Press, 2003

Synopsis

Many call A. Dale Fiers the most significant figure in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of the twentieth century. Raised in a devout family—his mother was ordained—in Kankakee, Illinois, and West Palm Beach, Florida, Fiers went on to have major impact not only on his denomination but on American Protestantism in general, particularly its approach to such social issues as missionary work and civil rights.

Fiers served as executive secretary of the International Convention of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), president of the United Christian Missionary Society, administrative secretary of the Commission on Restructure, and was the first general minister and president of the church.

Restructure was the process by which thousands of scattered Disciples congregations became an expression of one Church. This 1960s development towers over the landscape of Disciples history like a great mountain range, and Fiers looms over the era as its central figure.

In this biography, commissioned by the Disciples of Christ Historical Society, D. Duane Cummins crafts a picture of a remarkable church leader and chronicles the way a significant religious body dealt with the ambivalences of its own existence, how missionary work developed into less paternalistic relationships, how a church struggled between attempts to minister on the local scene and throughout the world.

Fiers lived in Florida and remained active in Disciples affairs until his death at age ninety-six in 2003.

About this title

About the Author:

D. Duane Cummins currently serves as interim president of Brite Divinity School at TCU and visiting scholar in history at Johns Hopkins University

Review:

Duane Cummins tells the story of A. Dale Fiers with the warmth, grace and aplomb that the biography deserves.  In a number of ways, the narrative associated with the ninety-plus years of Fiers life also describes twentieth-century Disciples of Christ.  In their move from "churches" to "church," Disciples depended significantly on the idealism, theology, and leadership of A. Dale Fiers. Those who wish to better understand this development, will be served well by readingCummins' account.  Dr. Mark Toulouse, Professor of American religious history, Brite Divinity School, TCU.

Duane Cummins has done a superb job of telling the inspiring story of a remarkable leader of the church. Well-written biography is a good way to experience a period of history from the inside. Cummins, in his biography of A. Dale Fiers, has done that, plus revealing to us a spiritual giant of the church.  Lester McAllister, Emeritus professor of hisotry, CTS, and co-author of Journey of Faith.

About this edition

• Publisher: TCU Press
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0875652786
• ISBN 13: 9780875652788
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 197