Spurgeon's College
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Spurgeon's College is a theological institute of higher learning located in South Norwood Hill, London. It was founded by Charles Haddon Spurgeon, known as "the Prince of Preachers."
Contents |
[edit] History
Originally named The Pastors' College when it opened in 1857, it later was renamed in honour of its founder,Charles Haddon Spurgeon when it moved to its present building in 1923. Spurgeon's College is in membership with the Baptist Union of Great Britain[1]. For its 150th anniversary in 2006, the College had its history written by Dr Ian. M Randall.[2] The resulting book is called A School of the Prophets and is available from the College.
[edit] College today
Spurgeon's College has always distinguished itself by giving opportunities for training to persons with little academic background. In the 19th century different courses were offered depending on ability. Spurgeon said in 1871 that someone who needed help with English should not muddle his head with Hebrew. To this day the College prides itself in offering taylor-made packages to those who are called by God to train for Christian ministry.
Spurgeon's College has as its basis of faith that of the Evangelical Alliance. Its current Principal is Rev Dr Nigel Wright. The teaching staff (8 full-time, 3 part-time, over 20 associate tutors) includes persons from other denominations. Among the students is an increasing number from ethnic minorities, and the College is fully committed to equal opportunities. Despite the temptation to move out of London, the College decided to stay in order to serve the growing and increasingly diverse London churches. It delivers training for the Baptist Ministry both in the UK and elsewhere. It also offers a suite of other courses including online learning, a part-time (Monday) Degree course, several Master's courses, a Doctorate of Ministry, and research for a PhD. Most of these diplomas are validated by the University of Wales. In 2008 the College was also accredited by the British Accreditation Council.
[edit] Former Principals
- Rev Percy Evans
- Dr George R. Beasley-Murray
- Dr Raymond Brown
- Dr Paul Beasley-Murray
- Rev Michael Quicke
[edit] Notable alumni
- J. Sidlow Baxter, Australian born pastor and theologian who advocated a fundamentalist Christian theological perspective
- Dr George R. Beasley-Murray
- Rev Steve Chalke, founder of Oasis Trust, founder of Faithworks, chair of Stop the Traffik
- Rev David Coffey, General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, President of the Baptist World Alliance
- Rev Steve Gaukroger
- Arthur Gostick Shorrock, pioneer Baptist missionary in China for 40 years
- Jonathan Stephen, principal of the Wales Evangelical School of Theology in Bryntirion, Bridgend, Wales
- Dr Nigel G. Wright
[edit] Notes
- ^ Baptist Union Directory, 2007, p.27
- ^ Randall, Ian M. A School of the Prophets: 150 Years of Spurgeon’s College. London: Spurgeon’s College, 2005.
