Why should Christians still read Charles Spurgeon more than 130 years after his death? 



Dr. Jeff Medders and Dr. Geoff Chang introduce the life and ministry of one of the most influential pastors in church history. They talk about Spurgeon’s remarkable ministry in London, how thousands of his books and personal papers made their way to Kansas City, and a few of their favorite treasures inside the Spurgeon Library. 



But this podcast isn’t about putting Spurgeon on a pedestal. It’s about learning from a faithful pastor who loved Christ, preached the gospel, cared for his church, and still has plenty to teach Christians and ministry leaders today.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Explore Charles Spurgeon&#8217;s life, ministry, theology, and spirituality with Dr. Geoff Chang and Dr. Jeff Medders, and discover insights and applications for today.

In partnership with Thomas Nelson Bibles.

The Spurgeon for Today podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Spurgeon and the Word series from Thomas Nelson Bibles.

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Charles Haddon Spurgeon was born on June 19, 1834, in Kelvedon, Essex, England, to a Nonconformist minister.

Born in Kelvedon, Essex

Spurgeon spent formative years with his grandfather, a Congregationalist pastor, deeply shaping his early faith.

Stays with Grandparents

Spurgeon moved to Newmarket to study at a school, continuing his voracious reading and self-education in theology.

Moves to Newmarket

On a snowy January morning, a lay preacher's words on Isaiah 45:22 — "Look unto me, and be ye saved" — changed his life forever.

Conversion at Age 15

At 16, Spurgeon preached his first sermon in a cottage at Teversham and quickly became known for his gifts.

First Sermon Preached

At just 17, Spurgeon became pastor of the Waterbeach Baptist Chapel, transforming a small village congregation.

Pastor at Waterbeach

At 19, Spurgeon was called to the historic New Park Street Chapel in London. Crowds quickly outgrew the building.

Called to New Park Street

Services moved to the Surrey Gardens Music Hall, drawing over 10,000 — and marking a tragedy when a false alarm caused a stampede.

Surrey Gardens Music Hall

Spurgeon begins his pastoral training effort, which becomes the Pastors' College, leading to hundreds of pastors being equipped.

Founding of Pastors' College

Spurgeon preached to an estimated 23,654 people at the Crystal Palace — one of the largest crowds ever addressed by a single voice.

Preaches to 23,000

The Metropolitan Tabernacle, seating 6,000, opened its doors and became the epicenter of his ministry for three decades.

Metropolitan Tabernacle Opens

Spurgeon opened the Stockwell Orphanage, eventually housing and educating over 500 children at a time.

Stockwell Orphanage Founded

He launched The Sword and the Trowel, a monthly magazine sharing sermons, reviews, and ministry news.

Sword & Trowel Magazine

Spurgeon withdrew from the Baptist Union over doctrinal compromise, a courageous stand that cost him many friendships.

Downgrade Controversy

Spurgeon passed into glory on January 31, 1892. He left 63 volumes of sermons, 135+ books, and a legacy shaping the church worldwide.