The Spirit-Led Preaching of Charles H. Spurgeon

Abstract

This dissertation centers on the role the Holy Spirit played in the pulpit ministry of Charles Haddon Spurgeon. It argues that Spurgeon was a Spirit-led preacher by examining six criteria of the Holy Spirit’s ministry for preaching is intentionally and explicitly identified as discussed by Greg Heisler in his book Spirit-Led Preaching. These criteria include the following: (1) the inspiration of the text, (2) the illumination of the preacher studying the text, (3) the conviction of the message, (4) the empowerment of the preacher, (5) the Spirit’s Christological witness, and (6) Spirit-filled living. This forms a more complete picture of the cause and nature of Spurgeon’s massive success. Some attention is given to the life of Spurgeon as one that was Spirit-led. Consideration is also provided for how Spurgeon might serve as a model for a modern preaching ministry. The scope of this research is a survey of the Holy Spirit’s influence on Spurgeon’s pulpit ministry by way of his sermons, published writings, lectures, and letters. The purpose of this study is to analyze Spurgeon’s beliefs and practices concerning the Holy Spirit as it relates to his theory and practice of preaching.