I was recently referred to an article from The Gospel Coalition by Geoff Chang entitled, “How Spurgeon Got His Congregation.”Charles H. Spurgeon is one my heroes of the faith whose sermons have challenged and encouraged me during my years in ministry. Though he is often referred to as the "prince of preachers", it wasn’t only his preaching that drew the great crowds to the Metropolitan Tabernacle in 19th century London. It was also his congregation.

Since the article correlates with some of the strategies we’re implementing at Faith Family Church, I thought I would share a few of the pertinent points that help to explain the tremendous growth and blessing that took place under Spurgeon’s ministry. I also recommend reading Chang’s article here.

1. “Personal Evangelism”

Many of Spurgeon’s church members were faithful to share their faith with others. His biography chronicles how members of the Metropolitan Tabernacle were from all walks of life and social rank. Testimony books from the church tell how individual members witnessed to people who crossed their paths in daily life. One of these testimonies records how a sister Elizabeth Farrow was instrumental in bringing a co-worker to Christ, saying she was “trying to do something for the glory of Christ and the good of souls.”

2. “Church Invitations”

Many of these records of testimonies begin with members inviting others to church. Sometimes more than one invitation was required before a person accepted it. I took two things away from this: first, even if you don’t feel competent in your personal witnessing, you can still invite someone to church; and second, don’t give up after just one invitation. You never know what’s going on in a person’s life, and an invitation at a particular moment may be just what the person needs.

3. “Sunday Conversations”

Spurgeon’s congregation understood that sharing the gospel was not to be left to the elders alone. Folks visiting the Metropolitan Tabernacle not only received a warm welcome, but members would often engage them in “meaningful conversations” as well. Pastor Spurgeon encouraged his members to “preach Christ in the pews.” He even provided a conversation starter, instructing his people to ask, “how did you enjoy the sermon today?”

Chang mentioned a few other methods that were employed by Spurgeon’s flock to reach the lost, but I wanted to share these three to encourage you to follow their example. Strive to share your faith in the normal course of life, be ready to invite others to our services, and when they come proactively, seek to speak with them on a spiritual basis.