Product Description
In the past century, one question has constantly plagued the church: How should the people of God respond to social issues? Rather than buying in to the “social gospel,” Alex DiPrima looks back to an unexpected source for biblical clarity: Charles Haddon Spurgeon. Part theology and part biography, Spurgeon and the Poor examines how the Prince of Preachers’ belief that gospel preaching and soul-winning should be the church’s primary mission informed his commendable benevolence and mercy ministry.
Paperback, 248 pages
Publication Date: February 2023
Table of Contents
Part 1: Spurgeon’s Teaching
The Prince of Preachers
The Grace Effect
Followers of Christ, Lovers of Men
Gospel Proclamation and Social Ministry
A City on a Hill
Political Preaching
Part 2: Spurgeon’s Practice
The Priority of Soul-Winning
The Pastor’s College
A Benevolent Ministry
The Metropolitan Tabernacle
The Good Samaritan in London
Social and Political Activism
Conclusion
Appendix: Spurgeon and Social Ministry in Historical Perspective
Endorsements
“DiPrima’s work is a timely reminder that for the church, there should be no artificial separation between the proclamation of the gospel and Christlike works of mercy.”
—Thomas Kidd, research professor of church history, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
“This well-researched book brings to light an oft-neglected aspect of C. H. Spurgeon’s life and work. A welcome addition to Spurgeon studies.”
—Timothy George, distinguished professor at Beeson Divinity School of Samford University
“In an age of fierce and ongoing debate in Christian circles about the relationship between the gospel and mercy ministry, this book helps us to see how Spurgeon cut across the divide and lived a life fully devoted to the gospel of Christ, with a heart fully devoted to relieving the suffering of, quite literally, thousands of lost and needy souls. Truly inspirational.”
—Mez McConnell, founder and director of 20schemes
“Read this book and see how the gospel Spurgeon preached fired his heart with loving zeal for the poor and needy in his own day.”
—Conrad Mbewe, founding chancellor of the African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia
“As Christians and church leaders navigate the challenges of our day, this book provides us with a mentor who will help us both guard the gospel and live out its implications.”
—Geoff Chang, curator of the Spurgeon Library, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Author
Alex DiPrima is senior pastor of Emmanuel Church in Winston Salem, NC. He holds a PhD from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in historical theology with a focus on the ministry of Charles Haddon Spurgeon. He has published several articles with 9Marks ministries, the Spurgeon Center, and Southeastern Seminary.
