Charles Haddon Spurgeon was called the “Prince of Preachers” for many reasons. His ministry not only shaped the city of London where he spent most of his life, he also helped millions around the world forge a biblical faith in Christ through his tireless writing and publication.
Yet, he believed all of his achievements were because of God’s grace and his people’s faithfulness.
Spurgeon lived and ministered during the 19th Century without the benefit of a single electronic device, the Internet, or reliable transportation. Yet, his global reach gives him a vantage point above almost every other Christian in God’s Kingdom. His accomplishments are too long to list everything, but some of the highlights include:
- building the Metropolitan Tabernacle, the largest Baptist Church in London, which still stands today.
- leading thousands and thousands to Christ through his powerful preaching.
- meeting the demand of printing 20,000 copies of his sermons every single week for decades.
- building The Pastors’ College where young men could be trained for ministry – though he never attended school, himself.
- writing the definitive commentary on the Book of Psalms entitled The Treasury of David.
- editing and producing a monthly magazine entitled The Sword and the Trowel – a collection of devotions, Bible studies, sermons, and other discipleship training tools – to help people grow in their faith. It’s still in circulation today.
- erecting multiple almshouses and orphanages to care for widows and vulnerable children.
Spurgeon’s was definitely a life well lived. However, when he was asked about the secret to his success, Spurgeon humbly replied, “My people pray for me.”
Are you praying for your pastor?
Resource’s Origin:
Spurgeon: A Biography by Arnold A. Dallimore. Banner of Truth, 2018, Page 50.