Recommended book: Biography of R.C. Chapman
Agape Leadership: Lessons in spiritual leadership from the life of R.C. Chapman (a biography) Youve probably never heard of R.C. Chapman. Described by Charles Spurgeon as the Saintliest man I ever knew, Chapman, who was born in 1803 and died 99 years later in 1902, was a hero of the faith. He was a pastor/elder, teacher, evangelist, hymn-writer, and missionary. His life was like clay in Gods hands.
More context:
-Chapman encouraged the great Hudson Taylor to go to China before the latter had ever set foot on the mission field, and was one of the first referees of the China Inland Mission, the mission organization Taylor later founded. -Chapman sent two of his young mentees to work with Anthony Norris Groves (father of faith missions) in India. -Chapman urged John Darby, co-founder of the Plymouth Brethren movement, not to disassociate himself from J.N. Newton. In doing so, he was trying to avert the first major split of, sadly, many painful splits in the Brethren movement. Chapman was unsuccessful in his attempt. However, he was still greatly respected by both men afterwards.
The people of Chapmans day knew him less for these big things than the little things he did; like giving to the poor, going to the train station without money and trusting God to provide a ticket, having an open home, and cleaning his guests shoes.
Perhaps the main lesson from Chapmans life was this: Although God used him to accomplish so much, Chapman was lost to the world for hours every day. What was he doing? Spending time with God - in prayer and in the Word.
Quotes from the book:
Because the Lords servant is continually ministering to others, he must be receiving fresh supplies from the God of all grace through all channels. Meditation on the Word and prayer should occupy the chief part of his time. On most days [Chapman] read and meditated on Gods Word for several hours
This time of study and fellowship with God was the source of his spiritual strength as well as his personal knowledge of Gods will. He also made prayer his constant business. He spoke to God about everything that was on his heart and would pray anytime, regardless of what activity he was doing. (p. 64)
Chapman: It is well for a child of God to pray for himself, but a more excellent thing to pray for others. God honours the spirit of intercession. (p. 70)
With no desire to become an old man who mourned lost opportunities or looked back at what might have been, Chapman determined to live for Christ as long as he was able. In his later years, he accomplished that goal through fervent, intercessory prayer. Considering intercession to be my chief business now, he spent much time in prayer, and requests came to him from around the world. (p. 71)
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