Sydney’s One Special Evangelist: John C. Chapman and the Shaping of Anglican Evangelicalism and Australian Religious Life, 1968–2001
Ebook
Overview
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.
“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.”
—Kanishka Raffel, archbishop, Anglican Diocese of Sydney
“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.”
—Michael Gladwin, Charles Sturt University
“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.”
—Richard Lucas, former rector, St. Helen’s Bishopsgate
“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.”
—Glenn Davies, former archbishop, Anglican Diocese of Sydney
“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.”
—Geoffrey R. Treloar, Australian College of Theology
“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.”
—Simon Manchester, former rector, St. Thomas’s North Sydney
“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.”
—Rory Shiner, senior pastor, Providence City Church
“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.”
—Peter Jensen, former archbishop, Anglican Diocese of Sydney
“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.”
—John Woodhouse, former principal, Moore Theological College
“‘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.”
—R. Harry Goodhew, former archbishop, Anglican Diocese of
Sydney
- Title: Sydney’s One Special Evangelist: John C. Chapman and the Shaping of Anglican Evangelicalism and Australian Religious Life, 1968–2001
- Author: Baden P. Stace
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2022
- Logos Release Date: 2022
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666749106, 9781666749083, 9781666749090, 1666749109, 1666749087, 1666749095
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666749106
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T19:58:08Z
Baden P. Stace is an ordained minister in the Diocese of Sydney,
Anglican Church of Australia. His ministry has included senior
pastoral leadership in the diocese. He has also served as an
itinerant evangelist and Bible teacher, diocesan mission chairman,
and in the development of current and future Christian leaders in
preaching and ministry practice and thought.