This academically rigorous, 10-week course delves into the philosophy and methods of Charles Spurgeon, a renowned 19th-century evangelical minister known for his commitment to "soul winning".
SPUR501
Charles Spurgeon and the Necessity of Soul Winning
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Dates
10 weeks
Workload
10 hours per week
Class
Mon 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Online and in-person
Location
1/14 Vanessa Blvd Springwood QLD
Tuition Fees
Enrol AUD $1,506
Audit fee is 50% of tuition fees
12-week payment plans available
Applications close
14 Oct 2026 at 5:00 pm AEST
Course Overview
This academically rigorous, 10-week course delves into the philosophy and methods of Charles Spurgeon, a renowned 19th-century evangelical minister known for his commitment to "soul-winning". Students will engage with Spurgeon's seminal text, The Soul Winner, gaining insights into his evangelistic approach and its enduring relevance to Christian ministry. The course consists of 8 in weeks of lectures followed by 2 weeks of student presentations.
Please note that this course is a part of the Professional Credential in Theology program. Explore the full program to see how this course sits within the wider course of study.
Course Learning Objectives
1
Understand Charles Spurgeon's Philosophy: Develop a comprehensive understanding of Charles Spurgeon's philosophy of "soul-winning," articulating the theological underpinnings of his approach and explaining its significance in the context of 19th-century evangelical Christianity.
2
Analyse Spurgeon's Methods: Critically analyse Spurgeon's methods of "soul-winning," examining how he integrated this concept into his sermons and writings, and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of his approach.
3
Evaluate and Critique Spurgeon's Impact: Evaluate the impact of Spurgeon's "soul-winning" philosophy on gospel ministry and engage with modern criticisms of his methodology, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of the enduring influence and relevance of Spurgeon's work.
4
Apply Spurgeon's Philosophy in Modern Contexts: Apply Spurgeon's philosophy and methods to contemporary ministry contexts, developing a personal philosophy of ministry inspired by Spurgeon's "soul-winning" and designing an evangelism program that reflects this approach.
Course Details
Please note that the following information is subject to change up until the course commences.
Applications close
14 Oct 2026 at 5:00 pm AEST
Timeframe
26 Oct 2026 - 11 Jan 2027
Lecture times
Monday 8:00 PM ⎯ 9:30 PM
Location
1/14 Vanessa Blvd Springwood QLD
Duration
10 weeks
Workload
10 hours per week
Credits
2
Tuition Fees
Enrol AUD $1,506
Audit fee is 50% of tuition fees
Assessment
Weekly Class Participation
Due Date
11 Jan 2027
Est. Hours
12
Weight
10%
CLOs
Course Readings
Due Date
18 Jan 2027
Est. Hours
30
Weight
10%
CLOs
Mid-term Paper
Due Date
3 Dec 2026
Est. Hours
20
Weight
20%
CLOs
Final Paper
Due Date
4 Jan 2027
Est. Hours
40
Weight
40%
CLOs
Viva Voce Oral Defence
Due Date
4 & 11 Jan 2027
Est. Hours
15
Weight
20%
CLOs
About the Lecturer
A strategic ecclesiologist, he has pastored, planted, and revitalised churches in Australia and the United States, leading high-risk mission trips among unreached peoples. Through worldwide seminars, networks, and conferences, Dr. Ireland delivers theological depth, pastoral warmth, and prophetic clarity, fostering church faithfulness and renewal in turbulent times. Holding a Doctor of Education (University of the Cumberlands, USA), Doctor of Ministry (Columbia International University, USA), M.A. in Theology (University of Chester, UK), and B.A. in Theology (Charles Sturt University, Australia), his doctoral research examined leadership, innovation in theological education, and adult learning theories. At the Haddon Institute, he lectures in theology and worldview, leads Spurgeon symposia on spiritual warfare and missional advance, and has authored works such as By Grace Alone (an updated All of Grace) and No Higher Calling: Shepherding God's People According to Paul. Married to Katarina for over 22 years and father to four, he embodies conviction and compassion in scholarship and shepherding.
Lecture Content
1
Introduction to Soul Winning
Introduction to Soul Winning
Date
26 Oct 2026
2
Qualifications for Effective Soul-Winning (Part 1: Godward)
Qualifications for Effective Soul-Winning (Part 1: Godward)
Date
2 Nov 2026
3
Qualifications for Effective Soul-Winning (Part 2: Manward)
Qualifications for Effective Soul-Winning (Part 2: Manward)
Date
9 Nov 2026
4
Nine Obstacles to Soul-Winning
Nine Obstacles to Soul-Winning
Date
16 Nov 2026
5
The Power of the Gospel and Spirit-Empowered Ministry
The Power of the Gospel and Spirit-Empowered Ministry
Date
23 Nov 2026
6
The Cost and Reward of Soul-Winning
The Cost and Reward of Soul-Winning
Date
30 Nov 2026
7
The Soul-Winner's Life and Work / The Drift, End, and Aim
The Soul-Winner's Life and Work / The Drift, End, and Aim
Date
7 Dec 2026
8
Encouragement to Soul-Winners & Restoration
Encouragement to Soul-Winners & Restoration
Date
14 Dec 2026
9
Viva Voce Oral Defence
Viva Voce Oral Defence
Date
4 Jan 2027
10
Viva Voce Oral Defence
Viva Voce Oral Defence
Date
11 Jan 2027
Testimonials
The course had an immediate impact on my Christian walk. You will leave each lecture with deep theological insights and practical strategies for the Church’s all-important task: preaching Christ for the salvation of the lost.
Nathanael Duffy
Required Readings
Spurgeon, C. H., The Soul Winner
Physical copy available for purchase via Haddon Institute.