Before Charles Spurgeon preached to thousands, he taught children, handed out gospel tracts, and preached his first sermon to a handful of people gathered in a cottage.



Dr. Jeff Medders and Dr. Geoff Chang trace the beginning of Spurgeon’s ministry—from a remarkable prediction made about him when he was only 10 years old to the night a 16-year-old Spurgeon unexpectedly found himself preaching from 1 Peter 2:7: “Unto you therefore which believe he is precious.”



Spurgeon’s early ministry is a reminder to start where you are, use what God has given you, and trust the Lord with what comes next.

Spurgeon’s Early Ministry

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.

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

Spurgeon for Today

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.

Spurgeon’s Early Ministry

More episodes

Spurgeon Heads to London

Spurgeon Becomes a Baptist

Spurgeon’s Conversion

Charles Haddon Spurgeon