An analysis of the ministry of Charles H. Spurgeon, with implications for the modern Church Growth Movement

Abstract

This dissertation is an analysis of the ministry of Charles H. Spurgeon, with implications for the modern Church Growth Movement (CGM). Chapter 1 presents a brief biographical sketch of Spurgeon's life and ministry. This chapter also includes a brief history of the CGM and addresses various criticisms raised within the modern CGM. Attention is given to the reasons why an analysis of Spurgeon's ministry offers constructive implications for the modern CGM.

Chapter 2 examines Spurgeon's commitment to the priority of conversion growth and discipleship. This chapter also focuses on how Donald McGavran and C. Peter Wagner's views of conversion growth and discipleship prove similar to Spurgeon's convictions.

Chapter 3 discusses the need for church leadership and lay ministry. This chapter compares Spurgeon's theology with the harvest theology advocated by McGavran and Wagner. Also included in this chapter are examples of lay ministries under Spurgeon's leadership.

Chapter 4 devotes attention to the primacy of preaching in Spurgeon's ministry. An analysis of what Spurgeon said about the purpose and content of preaching is included. This chapter concludes with a look at how Spurgeon's emphasis on biblical preaching and adaptation compares with McGavran and Wagner's emphasis.

Chapter 5 considers the priority that Spurgeon's church placed upon prayer, especially corporate prayer. As with previous chapters, this chapter also compares Spurgeon's views with the views of McGavran and Wagner, the founders of the CGM.

Chapter 6 concludes this work by contending that Spurgeon's ministry offers implications for the modern CGM. Specific attention is given to the implications related to prayer, conversion growth, discipleship, the proclamation of the gospel, and church planting.