Pastor Rick Warren, founder of Saddleback Church has been installed as the first-ever honorary Chancellor of Spurgeon’s College in London.
“Spurgeon’s College is pleased to have installed Pastor Rick Warren as its first honorary Chancellor,” the school said in a statement
In Dr. Warren’s installation video, Rev Helen Stokely, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the school mentioned “three very particular reasons why [Warren] is invited to be the first Chancellor” of the school.
Firstly, she noted pastor Warren “has shown on numerous occasions that he is a great man of faith.” Secondly, “Pastor Warren has that connection with the college,” she said. Further explaining that “Warren is the great-grandson of one of our graduates Edward Gould.” Lastly, Stokely said Warren was chosen “because of his passion and his desire to proclaim the gospel everywhere.”
“I’m delighted to officially joined Spurgeon’s College as its first chancellor at this important time in its development and mission. I’ve a deep, personal family connection over four generations to Charles Spurgeon and the ministry of the College he founded, and he is responsible for my family moving to America. Further, my understanding of the meaning of ordination and conviction from Scripture on ministry leadership are identical to Charles Spurgeon’s published views. I am grateful to God and the College for this opportunity to give back to this community,” said Warren.
The Evangelical Baptist Theological College was founded in 1856 as a ‘Pastor’s College’ by Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon. Since then, the school has trained over 5,000 men and women in Christian mission and ministry every year. Rick Warren however was officially appointed as the school first chancellor in April. This comes shortly after he stepped down as a senior pastor of his church.
