Watch C.H. Spurgeon: The People's Preacher

C.H. Spurgeon: The People's Preacher is a biographical film that centers on the life and ministry of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, a renowned preacher and pastor during the Victorian era. The movie takes us on a journey through the highlights of Spurgeon's life, tracing his humble beginnings and his rise to fame as one of the most influential preachers of his time.

The film features flashbacks, reenactments, and interviews with scholars, pastors, and theologians who share their insights on Spurgeon's life, character, and impact on the church. Through their accounts, we get a glimpse of the man behind the pulpit - his faith, convictions, struggles, and triumphs.

The story starts with Spurgeon's childhood in Kelvedon, Essex, England. We see how he grows up in a devout Christian family and how his father, a minister himself, played a significant role in shaping his spiritual life. We also learn about Spurgeon's early years as a preacher, including his baptism and his ministry at Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire.

However, the focal point of the movie is Spurgeon's ministry at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London, where he preached to thousands of people and saw thousands more come to faith. We witness his energetic and passionate style of preaching, which is both convicting and comforting. His sermons speak to the hearts of his listeners, and we can see why he was called the "people's preacher."

The film does not shy away from portraying the challenges and hardships that Spurgeon faced during his ministry. We see how he struggled with depression, illness, and opposition from those who opposed his Calvinistic teachings. We also see how he addressed social issues such as poverty, prostitution, and juvenile delinquency through his ministry and philanthropy.

One of the highlights of the movie is the portrayal of Spurgeon's wife, Susannah, who played a vital role in his life and ministry. We see how their love and support for each other helped them weather the storms of life. Susannah's writings and her influence on Spurgeon's ministry are also emphasized in the film.

Another notable aspect of the movie is its portrayal of the historical context in which Spurgeon lived and ministered. We see how the Victorian era was a time of great change, with advances in science, technology, literature, and social reforms. We also see how Spurgeon's ministry was affected by the cultural and political currents of his time, such as the rise of liberalism and the controversy surrounding the Doctrine of Baptismal Regeneration.

Overall, C.H. Spurgeon: The People's Preacher is an inspiring and informative film that honors the life and legacy of a great preacher and pastor. It presents a balanced and nuanced portrayal of Spurgeon's life, highlighting both his strengths and weaknesses. The film is not just for Christians but for anyone who appreciates history, biography, and stories of perseverance and faith.

C.H. Spurgeon: The People's Preacher is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.5.