Christians have spoken of their shock and sadness over the sudden closure of Spurgeon’s College, a number one institution in Christian education within the UK for the last 169 years.
The college, whose Chancellor was bestselling creator Rick Warren, announced its closure on Thursday with immediate effect.
The decision followed the collapse of a funding partnership but comes after a few years of monetary difficulty.
Spurgeon’s trustees said the termination of the funding arrangement had come “by surprise”.
The Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB) said it was “deeply saddened” by the news. In an announcement, the BUGB said it had been made aware of the funding crisis affecting the school prior to its announcement to shut but that, “Sadly, it was impossible for the Baptist Union of Great Britain to supply financial support on the size that may have been required.”
The BUGB said its priority now was to support students and that it was in conversation with affiliated Baptist colleges.
It has arrange a student support centre to advise students on the potential of transferring to other educational providers.
“We recognise the magnitude of the impact this news may have on the staff and students of Spurgeon’s College and our thoughts and prayers are with them,” it said.
Spurgeon’s College was founded in 1856 by famed Baptist preacher, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, and since then has trained hundreds of men and ladies for mission and ministry.
Prof Mark J Cartledge, Principal of the London School of Theology (LST), called the closure of Spurgeon’s “shocking and terribly sad”.
“The College has provided highly regarded theological education for Baptist and other Free Church students since 1856,” he said.
“LST has had a excellent relationship with Spurgeon’s College over a few years, with colleagues from each our institutions collaborating in various ways.
“We shall miss the College’s distinct contribution to theological education in service of the Kingdom of God.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our friends on the College as they navigate the subsequent stage of their journey. Please do join with us as we pray for everybody involved within the College at this difficult time.”
Up to 200 students are affected by the closure, most of them enrolled on undergraduate and postgraduate courses in theology and Christian studies.
The regulatory body for higher education, the Office for Students (OfS), said it was working to “be certain that students’ interests are protected on this difficult situation”.
David Smy, deputy director of regulation on the OfS, said, “This is a difficult time for college students at Spurgeon’s and we’re talking to the school to do all we will to make sure students have the support and data they should transfer to a course with one other educational provider with a comparable programme to finish their studies.
“We are working with Spurgeon’s College, in addition to Liverpool Hope University and University of Manchester who’ve validated a number of the courses at Spurgeon’s, to make sure students are supported and understand their options.”
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