Father Of Faith Missions: The Life And Times Of Anthony Norris Groves

by Robert Bernard Dann

Anthony Norris Groves was an English dentist who read his New Testament very carefully. In it he found promises and instructions given by Jesus and wondered why no one seemed to have noticed them before. He thought that churches and missions might achieve more if they followed the methods of their Lord and his earliest disciples. It was a theory he would put to the test. In 1829 he and his wife Mary sold their possessions, gave what they had to the poor and set off for the East, trusting simply in the care of their heavenly Father. They settled with their two small boys in a house with a courtyard in the old Muslim capital of Baghdad. Here they spoke about faith, hope, and love to anyone who would listen--until plague struck the city, followed by cholera, famine, floods and civil war! Here is the story of a grand experiment in authentic Christianity, a story of faith, of hesitant faith, frustrated faith, courageous faith, faith that survived tears and finally won its reward...faith that inspired four generations of faith missions. "A first rate in-depth biography... will stir the whole range of your emotions and thinking." (Alexander Strauch, author of Biblical Eldership ) "A stunning achievement. It is one of the most powerful missionary biographies that I have read." (David J. MacLeod, Emmaus Bible College)

Genres: Biography, Church History, History, Christian, Nonfiction

606 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1969

Reviews

[Jeff Shelnutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a student of mission history and also having an interest in the early Brethren movement, this book was a fascinating read. The author skillfully weaves together the biography of not only Groves, but several of his contemporaries as well, with a well-researched historical perspective. Groves was a man dedicated to a pure New Testament interpretation of the church and consequently, strove toward the realization of this wherever his missionary travels took him. Incredibly, Groves' influence has been even greater after his death than it was in his lifetime--and he was well-known and respected among his contemporaries. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is considering doing missionary work or anyone who desires to explore organic church perspectives.

[Chris Harrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up.

This book focused on Norris Groves, and his desire to have simple faith based solely on the Bible that led him to the mission field in Baghdad and all over India. Also focused on the Brethen Movement as a whole that he (unbeknownst to him) founded, which emphasized a heart for Christian unity.

Overall, interesting/inspiring characters, very, very thorough and extensive research, and a movement that I had not learned of before made this a fun and encouraging read. The writing/editing was lacking at times and the author got a little defensive of his characters, however, so that detracted from the story, but overall I enjoyed it!

It was very refreshing and encouraging to read of a humble, sincere, and loving faith from someone who was very clearly a flawed man.


Some great quotes (I promise):

"Truly, whatever makes Jesus precious and eternity a reality, is most blessed, though it cuts up all earthly things by the roots."

Hudson Taylor on his wife passing away: "Love gave the blow that for a little while makes the desert more dreary, but heaven more home-like... And the same loving hand that makes heaven more home-like is the while loosening the ties that bind us to this world."

"Think not on a holy life but on a holy moment as it flies; the first overwhelms the heart by it's immensity, the other sweetens and refreshes by its lightness... And yet a succession of holy moments constitutes a holy life."

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! A huge amount of research work went into the writing of this excellent book. A big thank you to the author! The facts are presented in an easy to read style. A N Groves was privileged with money and position but left England with his family at the beginning of the 19th century, counting only on God for his needs, in order to take the gospel message to Iraq. He had abandoned training to be an Anglican clergyman believing that the Bible taught that local church life was simply a gathering of likeminded believers, whatever their background, that needed no special appointed religious class to officiate. The unity of Christians founded on the gospel and Bible teaching was very dear to him throughout his life. He knew how to disagree with other Christians without losing his love for them.
Life in Baghdad was very tough, Groves endured much hardship but his faith remained strong. After a few years he moved on to India where he spent the rest on his life. Groves wasn't a great orator or an especially gifted Bible teacher or evangelist; he simply gave his life to God and lived in accordance with the Bible teaching. He suffered much, was misunderstood and he made mistakes but he always remained true to his calling. When he had a surplus of funds Groves gave generously to the poor and supported others, who like him, were endeavouring to make Christ known. He is a tremendous example and inspiration for every Christian. Highly recommended!

[Rachel B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a very thorough look at both the life of Groves and the history of the Brethren movement in the UK.

As is typical in a biography like this, there are so many people mentioned that I had a hard time keeping them straight.

The timeline bounced around a lot. About 200 pages in, we witness the death of Groves, and then the author starts in on Groves's various colleagues in greater detail, but backtracks to when Groves was alive. I'm definitely a linear thinker, and would have preferred for the entire book to be chronological. I wish there had been more dates throughout the book, too. It was hard to keep track of the time passing - all of a sudden babies went to being 20-year-olds and the like.

And, because it's exhaustive, it felt too long and dry at times.

But all that makes it sound like I didn't like it, and I actually did. It was very interesting to hear about the man who influenced so many of the missionaries whose stories have influenced me, and to better understand how they were all connected. It was encouraging to know that he didn't consider himself to be successful, and wasn't a "manager" type. I related a lot to his personality and giftings.

[Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without doubt, this work is the best biography I have read to date! Widely and deeply researched and using primary sources, Robert Bernard Dann skilfully depicts the life, times, troubles, triumphs and failures of Anthony Norris Groves.

I first became intrigued with Groves shortly after I confessed Jesus Christ bas my Lord and Saviour in March 1974, after which I came into fellowship in a Brethren assembly, and began to read the history of the movement. Of all the sterling characters who were part of that beginning and formulation of practice and fellowship AN Groves appealed to me most. He was the most 'Christ-like' character, yet have a frailty with which I could identify. His simple faith and sincere obedience to his understanding of Scripture struck a cord in my life, which resonates still!

I found this book both informative, instructive, challenging and well worth any effort to read and master its massive contents! I would encourage you to obtain it and read it ... and sooner rather than later! I would like to conclude with a lengthy quotation from the book, which to me sums up Mr Groves and speaks volumes to me, even today ...

"Anthony Norris Groves would have seemed a very ordinary man. He had neither the sturdy self-confidence of Karl Pfander nor the intense doggedness of John Kitto; neither the penetrating intellect of Franck Newman nor the methodical composure of George Muller; neither the cultured charm of John Parnell nor the scholarly acumen of Henry Craik; neither the evangelistic skills of John Arulappan nor the administrative ability of Alexander Duff. Amidst all these outstanding characters, he might pass without notice. And yet, looking more closely, we would see it was Groves himself who struck the spark that kindled the fire which made each of these men in his own sphere a bright and shinning light.

"Someone asked John Kitto, settling in as a dental assistant at Exeter, what sort of man his employer was. 'Mr Groves,' he replied, 'is not a Methodist, a Calvinist, a Lutheran or a papist. What, then is he? A deist, a Unitarian, an Antinomian? No, he is one of those rather singular characters - a Bible Christian, and a disciple of the meek and lowly Jesus; not nominally, but practically and really such. A man so devotedly, so fervently attached to the scriptures I never knew before.' this it was that set Groves apart from the respectable and religious people around him. 'I have little confidence in man,' he confessed. 'My greatest desire has been to cast myself on the word of God, that every judgement of my soul concerning all things may be right, by being, in all, the mind of God. For exactly in proportion as this is the case shall we be a blessing to others. Oh for a heart to love as he loved! Oh for such meekness, gentleness and devotion as shone in everything he did, who is our Great Exemplar'" [Page 371]

As it was said of Abel, soi can it be said of Anthony Norris Groves ... "he being dead still speaks" (Hebrews 11:4).

Very highly recommended.

[Caleb Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anthony Norris Groves provides two main lessons for the modern church: living by faith and seeking peace with all other believers.
Groves was born in 1795 to a rather poor English family. His father was not very good with money and struggled often. In his early teens, he moved in with his uncle and aunt, who were dentists, where he as an apprentice learned their trade. While staying at their house, he feel in love with their daughter (his cousin Mary), to which they were completely opposed, having a low regard for his family and for him. So unhappy were they, that they bad him depart and live in another town, to earn his living how he could. Mary was so disheartened that she grew sick and nearly died, and he was quickly invited back to marry her if he so desired. He soon after took over his uncle’s profitable business as a dentist.
Around this time, Groves became more and more convicted that he needed to go into overseas missions—even before marrying Mary. However, she as a good member of the Anglican church from a rather well-to-do background felt no comfort with the idea. Groves thus enrolled in Trinity College in Dublin and began gradually studying to be ordained—making his uncle (and father-in-law) rather unhappy, so that Mary was disowned of his L10,000 will, and demanded Anthony pay him back the L1,000 his father had owed him. Though Groves had made much money as a dentist, he had, by gradual increments, taught both himself and Mary to give most of it away. He thus, was living on a shoestring, and trying to collect the money to pay back Mary’s father. Shortly, however, Mary’s father was approaching death, and he relented, forgave his brother-in-law (Anthony’s father) of his debt, and reinstituted Mary as his heir. Groves turned the business over to another, and departed for Muslim lands with Mary, his two sons (his daughter passed earlier) the deaf John Kitto as a tutor, Frank Newman (a brilliant young man dedicated to missions), and two other young ladies. They reached Persia and settled in Baghdad, due mostly to Groves’ acquaintance with a British general there. Very shortly after, plague broke out as warring Islamic factions surrounded and besieged the city.
Groves, sure that God would protect his wife, refused to quarter with the British general, and stayed in his current dwelling in the city, during which time his wife gave birth to their fourth child. Within a few month, both mother and baby had passed from the plague, and the rest were gravely ill. Finally, the siege lifted, and Groves and the rest headed down the Tigris. Kitto and Newman, having spent four unsuccessful years in Persia returned to England. Kitto became a brilliant apologist, writing works praised by Spurgeon, married a sharp lady (formerly a fiancé of a deceased British lieutenant), and had 10 kids. He died at 50 years in 1854. Newman, shunned by the brethren, found little fellowship in any group. At length, he doubted first limited atonement, then imputed sin, then the Trinity, then the Bible. In the 1830’s he went again to school, met a clever Hebrew professor who taught all of Genesis to be fictious, fully undermining all his confidence in the scripture. He became one of the foremost academic agnostics of his day. His wife prayed for his conversion to the day he died at 92 years of age.
Groves returned to England in 1835, remarried, and returned to India with his two sons. He began a farm and ministered to India children. He had three more children, a daughter and two sons. His ministry during this time seems relatively ineffective evangelistically speaking, as he never learned the language. Nevertheless, he helped begin a training center was a great encourage on many national and missionary preachers for years to come. He returned to England in 1851, and passed away shortly after, just before turning 58.
His sons turned out oddly. His first two (Henry and Frank) founded a successful brewery in India, but after wearying of business, Henry returned to England and became business and brethren elder in northern England (separate from Darby). Frank remained with the brewery and stayed India until his death. Edward was sent to Harriet’s (his mother’s) relatives in England and attended boarding school at an early age. He struggles immensely with shortsightedness, was constantly beaten, ignored. He said it was a great misfortune to be a missionary’s child, and said his mother cared more for Indian children than her own. Just before his death, his father removed him from the boarding school (at 16) and gave him glasses. Edward ended (unjustly almost every time) in insane asylums four times, once after his wife declared him insane under pressure from other Brethren church leaders. He led a strange life, never fitting in with any group, and listlessly attempting to be accepted somewhere. Norris, Anthony’s youngest, struggled with dyslexia his whole life, and though a brilliant engineer was kicked out repeatedly of jobs for his atrocious spelling and poor written communication. Norris’s wife said of him that he was never known to say an unkind word. His daughter Agnes accompanied her mother until Harriet died. At one point she attempted to take some of leadership in the brethren church, for which her brothers rebuked her. Afterwards she returned to India, where she died at 31. In short, Anthony was less than successful as a father.
The most interesting man recorded in this book was Carl Pfander, who was German missionary who aided Groves when he first began his farm in India, and tutored his sons, until he had a falling out with Harriet. He became one of the first Christian apologists against Islam, writing works dealing exactly with the veracity of scripture. He had a seemingly failed debate with some Islamic scholars in the 1850’s. However, from it two young Muslims came to Christ. His works continued to bear fruit in ones and twos, bringing Muslims first to read the scriptures, and afterwards even to Christ. He was moved by the Lutheran church into the North of India, away from his original ministries in the south, and continued so until he died. He is probably the best missionary recorded in this book.
It seems to me that Groves concept of faith missions was imbalanced, because in not taking regular support, he damaged both his family and his own ability to minister overseas. Nevertheless, the great lesson for me from this book is to seek personal holiness first and foremost. Groves’ holy life, which produced a peaceful demeanor, and Christ-like attitude that everyone that knew him immediately recognized, challenged me. I have too often taken great pleasure in debate and intellectual sparring over various ideas. I furthermore have trusted my own ability far too much. Groves had a Christ-like dependence on his heavenly Father, which is depicted in Matthew 6, and which I need to add more to my life to truly follow our Lord. Finally, Groves helped lead the Brethren movement in the best direction that it ever took by leading them to cease from foolish division, to expect what the New Testament expects, and to put on a Spirit-filled demeanor in everything.

[Andrew Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is not the Bible but my word this is a very good book. It must be – it is the first time in living memory that my wife (deep, theological reading) and I (biography and John Grisham-type novels) have both thoroughly enjoyed the same tome.

Anthony Norris Groves (ANG) figured in my sketchy knowledge of the beginnings of the Brethren movement, but this book gives a lot of detail, demonstrating extensive research outlining ANG’s spiritual journey, his work as an Exeter dentist and move towards ordination subsequently abandoned in the face of his interpretation of scripture; his work in Baghdad and India amongst major difficulties, his failings, misjudgements and various tragedies.

What is at the heart of the narrative though is the character of this man ~ his prophetic and strategic vision, taking Christ (not UK churchmanship) to others. Of most significance, however, is his grace and humility which shine out of the pages, making me think that there are few who display such characteristics.

The book covers, to some extent, ANG’s relationship with another founder of the brethren, John Nelson Darby (JND), who subsequently led the split that became the Exclusive Brethren. The contrast between the two is marked with JND not doing too well in the grace and humility stakes despite his greater status as a theologian.

When part way through the book the death of ANG is recorded I was somewhat surprised but the author, Robert Bernard Dann, then goes on to explore the impact of ANG on various others and the movement as a whole, coming to a conclusion where he challenges us to think about the way we do church today.

It is an excellent read and, in my view, it is also worth taking the time to read the endnotes and appendices, which are nearly as rewarding as the narrative,

[James Harmeling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is wonderful account of a little known but hugely influential individual. Dann strategically recounts Groves' life and death in the first half of the book and then traces the varied branches of his influence in the second half. The idea that his contribution lay more in his sanctified status than any organizational skill, proclamation power, or dynamic leadership presence is remarkable. Dann is a skilled biographer in both his knowledge of the Brethren movement and its influence on missions and theology and his perspective on effective service for Christ. This volume gives a fresh look at what constitutes fruitful living for Christ and how God uses an individual far beyond their comprehension.

[Seth Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author’s point: God placed true spirituality in Groves stirring both the Brethren and the Faith Missions movement.

My evaluation: The spirituality of Groves, Pfander, Arulappan, Rhenius, and others in this far-ranging historical account both inspires and raises a diverse array of questions to be pondered and prayers to be prayed.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moves slowly but enjoyed reading about Anthony N Groves. Did not enjoy the way Darby was portrayed. I thought the author could have been more fair with him.