Sydney’s One Special Evangelist
John C. Chapman and the Shaping of Anglican Evangelicalism and Australian Religious Life, 1968–2001
- History & Biography
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2022
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Publisher's Description
This landmark work is the first academic study of a figure who played a defining role in the Australian evangelical movement of the late twentieth century--the inimitable preacher, evangelist, and churchman John C. Chapman. The study situates Chapman's career within the secularizing Western cultures of the post-1960s--a period bringing momentous changes to the social and religious fabric of Western society. At the same time, global Evangelicalism was reviving, bringing vitality to large swathes in the Global South and a re-balancing in Western societies as conservative religious movements experienced growth and even renewal amidst wider secularizing trends. Against this backdrop the study explores the way in which, across a wide array of domestic and international fora, Chapman contended for the soteriological priority of the gospel in Christian life, mission, and thought. Accomplished via an absorbing blend of personal wit, impassioned oratory, innovative missiological strategy, and striking theological perception, the result was a stimulating history of public advocacy that sought a revival of confidence in Evangelicalism's message, and a constantly reforming vision of Evangelicalism's method. Such a legacy marks Chapman as a central figure within the generation of postwar leaders whose work has given Australian Evangelicalism its contemporary shape and dynamism.
Endorsements (10)
“Canon John ‘Chappo’ Chapman is remembered by many as a winsome and dedicated evangelist—good humored, down-to-earth, and relatable. But here is a first scholarly assessment of Chapman’s extraordinary contribution to the development of an Australian evangelical approach to preaching, evangelism, and the reform and indigenization of Australian Anglicanism. . . . As we continue to engage contemporary challenges to gospel ministry and mission in secular Australia, there is much to be gained from this absorbing study.”
“This finely observed and meticulously researched historical study reveals Canon John ‘Chappo’ Chapman as one of the most dynamic evangelists and preachers in Australian history. Through careful analysis of Chapman’s evangelistic vision and preaching prowess, Stace shows how Chapman adapted—with wit, cultural sensitivity, and creativity—an unchanging gospel message to the rapidly changing, secularizing Australian and Western cultures of the post-1960s period. This book will be the definitive work on Chapman’s life and legacy for decades to come.”
“Doctoral dissertations are not, I imagine, most people’s chosen reading matter. But, for the contemporary Christian believer, Baden Stace’s formidable skill in research and reportage on the life and ministry of John Chapman, ‘Sydney’s one special Evangelist,’ will be a veritable feast of good things, whether hitherto known or unknown.”
“Readers who knew John Chapman will be enriched by this insightful exploration of his life and influence as an evangelist, preacher, and provocateur in the Diocese of Sydney for more than thirty years, while also having a significant impact around the world. Those who knew not ‘Chappo,’ will nonetheless be richly informed by this scholarly, yet very readable, explanation of the profound impact of his life and ministry upon generations of clergy and lay people in Australia and beyond.”
“Stace’s account of the Sydney-based evangelist John Chapman takes the understanding of his life and work to a new level of historical understanding and critical appreciation. This outstanding historical biography of John Chapman will be rewarding reading for all who are interested in the history of the global evangelical movement and Christian responses to the modern world as it took shape in the final decades of the twentieth century.”
“This book is a banquet for anyone wanting to feed their mind and heart on the wisdom and power of God—seen through the life of the evangelist and godly provocateur, John Chapman. The work that Baden Stace has done is so comprehensive, so informative, and so revealing that the reader cannot help but grow in insight and gratitude. This book is a gift to be carefully devoured.”
“Australian evangelicals are extremely well served by a wealth of first-rate biography. In this volume, Stace adds to this rich tradition with a meticulously researched and insightful treatment of Sydney evangelist John Chapman. For those wishing to grasp a key chapter in the shaping of contemporary Australian Evangelicalism this volume will repay close study. I highly recommend it.”
“For each generation, the Lord gifts his people with some extraordinary servants. John Chapman was one such servant. In this meticulous work of biographical history, Stace captures the man and sets him in his context. The work opens a window for the reader into the stimulating world of twentieth-century Evangelicalism and recounts how the gospel was advanced in that era of challenge and change. It is a fine book and I commend it warmly.”
“All who knew, loved, and learned from ‘Chappo’ will be enormously grateful for Stace’s thorough and excellent study of the life, ministry, and influence of John Charles Chapman. Those who missed that privilege will discover in this careful work much about why and how this outstanding man had such an impact on his generation. Thanks to Baden’s labors we can appreciate more deeply the richness of what God gave us in this faithful servant.”
“‘To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good,’ wrote St. Paul. This is on display here in both author and subject. Stace demonstrates impressive diligence and skill. His subject, John Chapman, appears in his far-reaching influence and service. Thank you God for Baden and John.”
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