A Weekend with Dr Geoff Chang
We were blessed to host Dr Geoff Chang recently. He is an Associate Professor of Historical Theology and Curator of the Spurgeon Library at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and is renowned for his research and work on Charles Spurgeon.
Geoff spoke at the Baptist Pastors & Leaders Day Conference on 22 May, focussing on “Spurgeon as Pastor”. This was co-organised with PLATFORM from the Singapore Baptist Convention and was attended by about 60 pastors, church leaders and ministry workers. He gave two talks:
Spurgeon the Pastor: His Priorities
Spurgeon and the Church: His Shepherding Framework
It was encouraging to hear about the life of Spurgeon and his faithfulness to preaching God’s Word, as well as His commitment to the local church. Through Q&A and also a panel discussion with Geoff, Pastor Eugene, Pastor Roy from Acts Baptist Church, moderated by Pastor Ryan, participants could learn and see how we can apply some of what was taught to our local, present-day contexts.
Geoff addressed the topic “Spurgeon and the Church” on 23 May, which was open to the public. Many members of GBC were present, and it was encouraging to see close to 90 participants gathered on Saturday morning to learn about this historical figure. Geoff shared about the life of Spurgeon and his ministry in the local church.
If you are interested to read more of Spurgeon’s devotions, consider checking out these devotions edited and compiled by Geoff. These were also sold at the book table during the conference:
Geoff also preached that Sunday morning from Hebrews 10:1-18, and showed how Jesus is our once-for-all sacrifice. The blood of bulls and goats meant that the priests needed to make continual, yearly sacrifices but with the death of Christ, sins are paid for fully. He is now resurrected, alive and seated at God’s right hand. All who place their faith in Him have their sins forgiven, and this is a certain, comforting truth. We do not need to earn our salvation nor do we need to work to secure our standing before God. Geoff also encouraged us to live in light of this truth and our new identity in Christ.
Indeed it was an encouraging weekend where we had the chance to learn about a section of church history. Though Spurgeon was born in a different time and place from us, we could learn from his faithfulness to the gospel in the midst of changing times, and his love and commitment to the local church. It was also a picture of partnership between churches, as we had the chance to pray for Wornall Road Baptist Church, Geoff’s home church, during our pastoral prayer. It is a humbling reminder that God is at work in our world throughout history and will continue to work in and through His people today.
We are grateful for Geoff’s ministry among us here and pray that he will continue to be encouraged and strengthened by God in his ministry in his church, and in the seminary.