Spurgeon and the Poor: How the Gospel Compels Christian Social Concern

by Alex DiPrima

Spurgeon and the Poor is a fascinating study into the life and ministry of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, exploring his understanding of the place of benevolence in the ministry of the local church. Alex DiPrima examines the way Spurgeon's belief that gospel preaching and soul-winning formed the church's mission informed his view of social concern as a compelling argument for its power. Readers will gain insight into Spurgeon's theology and experience as he ministered to the oppressed through ministries, private philanthropy, and public advocacy.

Genres: Christian, Church History, Church, Theology, Christian Living

244 pages, Paperback

Published February 8, 2023

About the author

Alex DiPrima is senior pastor of Emmanuel Church in Winston Salem, North Carolina. He holds a PhD from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in historical theology with a focus on the ministry of Charles Haddon Spurgeon. He is the author of Spurgeon and the Poor and has published several articles with 9Marks ministries, the Spurgeon Center, and the Gospel Coalition.

From a book description

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

My endorsement:

“Charles Spurgeon was accused of many things in his day; some would probably label him a ‘social justice warrior’ in ours. (Spoiler alert: he was not.) But he did insist that social concern—even social activism—is not optional. Nor is it merely preferable. It is essential—necessary evidence that we ourselves have internalized gospel grace. In this fascinating book, Alex DiPrima sheds light on Spurgeon’s bigheartedness toward the poor and marginalized. The Savior of sinners was mighty in both ‘word and deed’ (Luke 24:19). So was the Prince of Preachers. So must we be.”

[Lia Ross Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book read like butter! So smooth and easy to engage. I was so impressed by the flow of the writing and the transition from explaining the life and legacy of Charles Spurgeon to the practical application of how the church today can glean from Spurgeon's life on how to live out "mercy ministry" As social justice becomes a more popular topic in Christian communities, this book would be at the top of my list to recommend. Alex Diprima really gets at the root issue of what inspires the church to go out and serve those in need. The amount of research and history on Spurgeon's life packed into this book would make it an enjoyable read for anyone who loves a good biography. Highly recommend!

[Collin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent! First of all, how in the world could Spurgeon do all that he did?

Second, this has reinvigorated my role at the church I serve and in the community God has placed me in. If you want to see what it looks like to biblically care for the poor, weak, and helpless and have a strictly Christian social concern, give this book a read!

[Tanner Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biographical and beautiful. It was refreshing to hear stories about Spurgeon that I had not before. He had 66 benevolent ministries, he made the south mad by condemning slavery, he was incredibly generous with his own money. When he first became a pastor he paid for the custodian at the church out of his own paycheck. Stories like this and much more will refresh your soul. Best book of 2024 thus far.

[Ben Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful blessing this book was to me, as edifying as it was personally challenging. It will be the perfect addition to our pastoral internship's week on mercy ministry.

Especially if you are a Christian pastor, I would encourage you to consider reading this book that it might help you serve the Lord Jesus more faithfully.

[Drew Williams]

The scope of Spurgeon’s ministry was simply baffling. At one point over 66 ministries operated out of his church, many of which dealt with humanitarian concerns. Spurgeon is a helpful example that can inspire gospel-driven, biblically-based mercy ministry. While no church can probably imitate his, we can certainly learn from his example.

[Josh Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most Bible-believing Christians are familiar with Charles Spurgeon and the impact he made (and continues to make) for the gospel and the Lord Jesus Christ. I mean, who hasn't heard of the "Prince of Preachers?!"

However, it is probably few that know of the extensive philanthropy exhibited by Spurgeon himself and the churches he pastored throughout his lifetime. DiPrima, in his well-written book, aims to show a side of Spurgeon that has not been highlighted much in history.

If I read it once in DiPrima's book, I probably read it (and underlined it every time) a dozen times. DiPrima wants the reader to know that Spurgeon overwhelmingly believed the primacy of the local church, the preaching of the gospel, and the winning of souls was the utmost concern of his life & ministry. He documents this over and over again throughout the book. He wants everyone to know that Spurgeon never veered into what we know today as "the social gospel" movement. Spurgeon's philosophy sprung forth from the Bible that good works flow OUT of the gospel and a faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Helping the poor and those in need are NOT the gospel and should never be conflated or identified alongside the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. And I appreciate the author's emphasis of this again and again. Especially in today's climate in which many churches have left the primary purpose in which they should be aiming and have settled for lesser goals for a myriad of reasons.

Nearly every page is replete with sourced footnotes at the bottom for the material which he cites. In matter of fact, there are several times he refutes myths regarding Spurgeon's viewpoints that have erroneously floated about by authors who have a liberal theological agenda in their writing. And he does so with an overwhelmingly plethora of sources from which he quotes.

I loved reading a book primarily about another side of Spurgeon. As a pastor, I also really enjoyed Spurgeon's heart re: his beloved Pastor's College. I did not know that the College was begun and continued through Spurgeon's life to provide a free education, along with many other benefits, such as room, board, books, clothing, healthcare, and occasionally even spending money. Spurgeon was careful & rigorous in his interviews to allow/deny students entry into the college doing most of the interviews himself. No doubt, he was able to parse out many students who would just be there for a handout. He wanted only those wwho were serious about the ministry, serious about hard work, serious about making the ministry a life calling. But to those who passed the review, he generously gave to support their efforts.

Another side of Spurgeon that is brought out is his attention (or rather limited foray) to political matters throughout his ministry. Spurgeon was quite careful to minimize his efforts in the political arena. He believed the church's focus ought to be that of the gospel and the winning of souls. We can learn from his example today. Too many ministers and churches have become unbalanced in their foray into politics. Spurgeon believed the heavenly kingdom so much more important than any earthly kingdom. DiPrima shows that there were a few times Spurgeon spoke to political matters but only when they intersected with Biblical truths. Spurgeon primarily addressed any political topics through his popular The Sword & Trowel magazine which he began in 1865.

Any pastor or church leader would be helped by this in-depth look at Spurgeon's heart for the poor. As I study the Bible, God certainly has a heart for the poor. And I believe His churches ought to have the same. How to do that is a subject that many struggle to identify or define. Spurgeon and the Poor will help one in the pursuit of this worthy topic.

[Jack Schutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

From the appendix:
“Could it be that the recession of evangelical efforts in the realm of social ministry is influenced more by a reaction to liberal theology or progressive government policies than by sound biblical exegesis or serious reflection on the history of social concern among evangelicals of the past? Could it be that widespread Western affluence has insulated evangelicals today from the concerns of the poor and, thus, enfeebled Christian benevolence? Could it be that some modern-day evangelicals are turning their backs on what used to be a hallmark of the evangelical movement and one of its most attractive traits?. . .
A genuine recommitment to evangelical social engagement requires neither the adoption of a social gospel nor the endorsement of a progressive political agenda. A successful renewal of social ministry among conservative evangelicals must be grounded firmly in a more thorough commitment to evangelical and Reformed theology, which originally was all that was needed to move Christians to compassion and care for the neediest members of fallen humanity. All the resources for a vibrant social ministry are found in the evangelical tradition. But more importantly, they are found in the Scriptures themselves, which call Christians to love their neighbors, to do good to all, and to be a people zealous for good works.”

[Jonathan Josey · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent peak into “The Prince of Preachers” and what else he was involved in during his lifetime.

Some parts were redundant, but it was very good to see someone so highly esteemed for his preaching be unafraid of the inextricable tie of the gospel to social ministry. The modern church would do well to read and implement some of these principles.

[Austin Puckett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written account of generosity and benevolence of Spurgeon and the Metropolitan Tabernacle. It is convicting to the 21st century western reader!

[Becky Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

“To me a follower of Jesus means a friend of man… Wide as the reign of sorrow is the stretch of his love.”

Hope to emulate such a ministry!

[Jake Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! Evangelicals would have done well to read Spurgeon over the last few years during heated debates over social justice.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really thought this would end up getting 4⭐️s from me because there is a lot of repetition in the writing, but as I near the end of the book, I’m marveling at all the beautiful truth I was able to learn and think upon because I read it.

I can recite an entire rap about Spurgeon’s life from memory, yet I still learned so much about him from this book. I knew he wrote over 140 books in his lifetime, but not that he also founded and/or chaired 66 benevolence organizations (many if not most connected in some way to his local church). He seemed to be able to bring every resource, every skill, every part of his life to bear on the mission of soul winning. He outdid his own church members in personal giving. He taught those he led to love their city by intimately getting to know the needs of its people. He expected every church member to play an active role in the ministry of the church. He instructed his students to preach using plain language that could be understood by the uneducated working poor in their city. I could go on and on. The purpose of learning about his life is not to try to replicate it, but to be spurred on by his unwavering, sacrificial focus on the goal of the church— to glorify God through the preaching of the gospel, the inevitable and necessary outflow of which is care for the poor and needy.

[Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very encouraging book! Challenging in many other ways. Repetitive in the first half.

Spurgeon is a good example of someone clearly valuing mercy ministry while simultaneously keeping his eye fixed on the mission of the church. Have you ever asked the question “what is mercy ministry’s place in mission?” This book will help you think through the answer to this question with a historical example.

[Maria Liu · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ I enjoyed this book and would recommend it! What a worthy topic! I truly benefitted from the author's thorough research on Spurgeon's Christian character, bigheartedness, and generosity towards the marginalized and the poor. While some parts were repetitive and leaned towards a more academic tone, the details and context about Spurgeon's super prolific ministry were great! At times, the focus might have been more on supporting certain theological points from the author's camp than the expected emotional/exhortational tone that you might expect from books on Christian benevolence. I really appreciated the emphasis on Spurgeon as a historical model for ministry but maybe would've loved to see that focus extend to Christ - who is our perfect example and unfailing source of strength for ministry. Without that, Spurgeon's legacy (running 66 ministries, pastoring thousands, giving openhandedly etc.) can feel a bit out of reach and overwhelming. Appendix was great and overall, a great book!

[Joshua Chatman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exceptional! It’s encouraging, challenging, convicting and compelling.

Spurgeon’s is commonly known as the prince of preachers. I’m so grateful that DiPrima has written this book to display Spurgeon’s zeal for social concern—benevolence ministry… sadly, this is the first time I’ve ever heard of Spurgeon’s passion for mercy ministry.

This book is mad helpful. In an age of polarization, this book is needed. It places great emphasis on gospel preaching all the while urging churches to be committed to loving one’s neighbor through benevolence.

It appears to me that those who started Crete Collective and the churches they’ve planted are committed to living this out, the very thing Spurgeon’s Ministry embodied.

I highly recommend it. As a brother, who’s a brotha brotha and is reformed and Baptist, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this resource to my fellow reformed brothers.

[Art D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read providing great insights on the span of Spurgeon’s ministry to the poor. All Evangelicals should read this and integrate Spurgeon’s mindset on this topic to life and ministry.

[Josh Yerkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent history and insight into an often neglected portion of Spurgeon’s ministry. Would recommend to every pastor.

[Michael Urch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any church member or aspiring philanthropist who cares about the poor.

[Jaxon Thacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

review is on fable.

[Luke Schmeltzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A challenging pastoral perspective on the role of mercy ministry in the life of the church, exemplified by the Metropolitan Tabernacle's many ministries under Charles Spurgeon.

[Peter Wills · Rating 3 out of 5]

some interesting anecdotes from CS life. there is some definite monotony throughout some of the chapters. but inspirational to hear of his heart for the gospel, and particularly of the children at the orphanage he started.

[Kelton Zacharias · Rating 4 out of 5]

Casts a clear vision, based on Spurgeon's own example, of how to combine the priority of Gospel preaching with the necessity of benevolence and good works. I was spurred on to think more carefully about how to love the community I am in.

[Kyleigh Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Spurgeon and the Poor, DiPrima traces Spurgeon's words and works in caring for the poor and underprivileged, his "mercy ministry."

I agree with Spurgeon's theology behind it, in the sense of care for the poor, benevolence, etc. being a byproduct of new life in Christ, and should be a part of a life lived in imitation to Christ. I also agree that for the church, social concern is secondary to and serves the preaching of the gospel. Spurgeon's example in how this played out was exemplary, if abnormally energetic! It was certainly inspiring and challenging. The author a couple of times noted how Spurgeon's example in this area is a call for us all, but at the same time was a unique situation.

There's also not a lot of criticism or questioning of Spurgeon. I don't think there's much to criticize! But I do want to think through and hear more dialogue about the place of social work as a formal ministry of a church (vs something members are encouraged to do). Since the mission of the church is in proclamation and discipleship, when does mercy ministry support this, and when does it start to pull resources from the church's main point? I would argue caring for the poor is one thing the church can and should do, but would also be hesitant to say "this is what the church does (formally)" as strongly as Spurgeon, especially with regards to the world at large (most of what we see happening in the NT is within the church). It's not *the* mission of the church, though I would agree with Spurgeon that the gospel and the mission of the church *do* have implications here. In case you can't tell, this is an area I've been trying to think through a lot lately, out of personal conviction as well as frustration with those who have overreacted against social gospel by not talking about it at all (contra the law, the prophets, and Jesus' ministry!).

The book is a look at what Spurgeon said and did, so these criticisms don't remove stars from the book, but I wish there had been more discussion of how such mercy ministry might play out for different churches. How can a church gauge their capacity for it and not have mission drift? How can a church might support ideas of individual members? What guidance might Spurgeon offer for how a church might discern where to invest time and finances? How does involvement differ for a local church as an entity and believers as individuals, especially in the time spent preaching vs serving?

Ultimately, though, the questions I'm asking are more personal: am I merciful and compassionate, zealous for good works? What are the prominent needs in my community, and how can I be involved in them?

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book on Hoopla as I ate my breakfast over several months. Many people who know of Spurgeon as a preacher and a writer have no idea of the wide variety of social programs and work that he was involved in starting and sustaining. He had a heart for the poor in London and sought to develop that heart in his congregation as well which made for a remarkably fruitful ministry. DiPrima shows why as well as how Spurgeon cared for the poor, the theory as well as the practice. He especially does a good job of showing how Spurgeon gave preeminence to meeting the spiritual needs of his community, but still valued meeting their physical needs as well. This, for me, was the most needed and helpful aspect of the book. The social gospel's replacement of the real gospel has made many Christians wary of social work as if social work equals the social gospel. DiPrima shows another way forward by looking to Spurgeon's own teaching and example. He also gives a chapter to Spurgeon's political activity, which was much less than his social work, but still present, especially on social issues that would bring harm or good to his fellow man, however far away that fellow man might live and however much opribrium it might bring him. My main negative comment would be that I didn't like the reader and his cadence/modulation.

[Luke Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting this book to be woke, considering the author's associations and the subject at hand. This book is not woke, but is well-balanced. Slow beginning with statements made agreeable to both liberals and conservatives. This caused me to become skeptical of the book, which greatly improved in later chapters. 4 stars for this reason. Book would be better enjoyed if the appendix is read first. Good perspective on the forgotten (yet remarkable) aspect of the life of a great man of God.

[Jay King · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subtitle is a more accurate description of the book. Spurgeon’s life is always an encouragement in every area he touches. His example in mercy ministry and social concern is no different. In an era where many reformed Christians are skeptical of an emphasis on social concerns because of the twisting of the social gospel, Spurgeon is a shining display of robust reformed doctrine alongside active social concern.

[Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very approachable book clergy, laypeople, and academics, too. God bless footnotes! My one critique is that DiPrima softens Spurgeon's political "activism" a bit too much, but otherwise, this is a helpful and well-balanced look at the various ministries of care that thrived under Spurgeon's leadership at the Metropolitan Tabernacle.

[Anthony Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Alan Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A valuable resource for pastors, church leaders, and interested Christians. Repetitive.