Spurgeon's College

 I have been asked by several people about my response to the sudden closure of Spurgeon's College on July 25th. After 169 years it was announced that the college was no longer viable.  I was Principal 1993-2000 so shared just a little in it's recent story.  My response?  Like most peoples! Utter incomprehensibility!  How could such a thing possibly occur without us being aware of its troubles - for prayer and giving?  Shock, sadness, questions.

I met with my friend and colleague at Spurgeon's, Ian Randall, two days ago. He shares the same sense of loss and sadness, especially over the suddenness with which staff and students have had their careers and courses severed.  We agreed that our measured response should focus on prayer for those caught in the cross-hairs  with especial concern for all remedial actions being taken to help people in their vocations. And that we should not despair that this is God's final word on Spurgeon's as a vision to prepare men and women to serve Jesus.  Something fresh and inspiring may be in God's will.

It is of little value to recall how the College functioned back in my time.  I confess I only have very sketchy awareness of recent developments which led to this disaster.  All I know I can do, is to pray for those who are damaged and cheer on fresh possibilities - of which there are encouraging signs.  

But it's tragic still the same.