Our Christian Heritage
Spurgeons was founded in 1867 as an orphanage for “fatherless boys” by leading Baptist preacher and writer Charles Haddon Spurgeon and his associates. As a prominent Christian of his day, Spurgeon’s practical response to the Bible’s teaching was to provide orphaned and vulnerable children in London with shelter, education and the hope of a better future.
Our work with children, young people and families may look very different today, 150 years on. Yet our vision and mission for children continues to be inspired and guided by the Christian faith.
We are very proud of our Christian heritage and we still bear our founder’s name. By keeping Charles Spurgeon at the heart of our identity and mission, it reaffirms our commitment to continue the work he started.
Our Faith Basis
As a Christian children’s charity, our values are core to who we are and our faith is reflected in everything we do. Guided by our Christian faith, we work in partnership with others, building strong relationships within communities to improve the lives of children and families who are struggling to cope
Our Christian Values
As a Christian charity, our core values are important to us and we reflect them in everything we do. We expect all who work and volunteer for Spurgeons to identify with and exhibit our values of hope, inclusion and compassion. Each is rooted in God’s word and demonstrated in Jesus’s teaching and life.
Our Mission
Inspired by our Christian faith, our mission is to improve the lives of families and children who are struggling to cope and give every child the opportunity of a hope-filled life.
The faith that inspires this mission is derived from Jesus’ identity, teaching and mission. We follow His command to love our neighbour, look out for vulnerable people, and speak out for those marginalised. The Christian faith is not naive in understanding that we all fall short of the life Jesus modelled and taught. We all need support or help in meeting our physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
Who we work with
The Christian faith is clear that every person is part of God’s creation and created in God’s image. We see, treat and work with every person, group and organisation through this lens, celebrating diversity and respecting their value and free will to choose their belief and worldview. That is why Spurgeons can be clear about our motivating faith and actively seek to work and employ those from all faiths, beliefs and backgrounds.
Who we support through our work
Since we were formed in 1867, our work has expanded to cover others who Jesus expressed concern for, including those in prisons, families struggling to cope with their difficulties, children and young people with heavy responsibilities, and those harmed or exploited.
We recognise and work in a way that respects the Bible’s teaching about the importance of relationships, families and communities, and to respond to God’s love and mercy through providing practical support and compassion.
How we work
The Bible teaches that we should do all our work as though we are serving God. That means Spurgeons will always aim to be professional in providing the best quality children’s services we can. It also means we work in a way that honours God’s character by being personal, relational, and empowering. We work in a way that respects partnership because God calls people into partnership; both a partnership with God and with one another.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
“Faith goes up the stairs that love has built and looks out the windows which hope has opened.”
Hopeful
We believe in the value and potential of every child.
Inclusive
We recognise every person as a unique individual, deserving of respect.
Compassionate
We won’t walk away, even when that means making tough choices.