SPURGEON THE PASTOR:
Recovering a Biblical and Theological Vision for Ministry
By Geoffrey Chang
B&H Publishing. 258 pages. £16.50
ISBN 978 1 087 747 842
Apart from John the Baptist, the most recognisable Baptist preacher is Charles Haddon Spurgeon. The so-called Prince of Preachers is possibly one of the most quotable preachers of the past two centuries.
In this book Geoffrey Chang rightly begins with an appreciation of Spurgeon’s astonishing output as a preacher. The statistics of sermons delivered and published are mind-boggling. Yet Chang wants the reader to recognise that Spurgeon was not a one-trick-pony. Pastoral ministry was for Spurgeon in the words of Peter Adam, ‘Pulpit-centred but not pulpit-exclusive.’
Chang demonstrates that Spurgeon took seriously the whole range of the pastoral task in serving his vast congregation. What struck me about the ten chapters that make up this book is the high value Spurgeon set on the church gathered, committed church membership, and the spiritual health of the whole congregation. In contrast to some church practice today, Spurgeon had a well-thought through, strategic and intentional approach to managing the church.
For Spurgeon, church growth was more than a numbers game. Instead, he sought to ensure that people were identified, trained and supported to serve within the well-organised structures of the church to promote healthy growth and stability.
Spurgeon was not an advocate of the ‘just preach the word and everything else will fall into place,’ school of pastoral leadership. Spurgeon had what might be called a ‘pastor’s heart’, and it shaped his entire approach to his ministry.
For Spurgeon, preaching great sermons was not enough. This was part of an all-round ministry that prepared people for active church membership. This was preaching on purpose. The purpose was to glorify Christ in the salvation of the lost, nurture God’s people in godliness, shape their work and witness, and transform society.
This stimulating book shows how a preacher can make a difference through their preaching if they work hard at ensuring that the impact of that preaching is not dissipated by chaotic strategy and inadequate structures. There are helpful sections in the book about baptism, church membership, church discipline, the value of the church members’ meeting, and the process of developing leaders.
Spurgeon was clearly the vital hub and the heart of everything that happened in his church, but his ability to share the load through well-organised delegation made the vast work of the Metropolitan Tabernacle manageable and sustainable.
Yet structures in themselves were not enough either; Chang describes the place of the powerhouse of corporate prayer that breathed life into the structures.
Here is the story of a man who knew what he was doing and accomplished much. Read the book and see if you might grasp a clearer picture of all the angles of the pastoral task and by God’s grace be motivated to accomplish much in your setting.
