KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Midwestern Seminary is proud to announce Jeff Medders as general editor and fellow for the Spurgeon Library and visiting professor of Christian Studies. In his new role, Medders will join the instructional faculty beginning January 1, 2026, and collaborate closely with Geoff Chang, curator of the Spurgeon Library.
“I am grateful that Jeff Medders will be joining our stellar faculty at Midwestern Seminary,” said President Jason Allen. “Jeff is both a churchman and a Spurgeon scholar, which makes him a great fit here. We are excited about what he can offer our students in the disciplines of biblical spirituality and Spurgeon studies.”
Expressing his excitement for the role, Medders said, “I’ve loved Midwestern Seminary for a long time—the vision, the faculty, the culture—so I count this moment as a wonderful honor and privilege to be a part of what God is doing in Kansas City and beyond.”
Reflecting on the two roles he will serve in, Medders said, “Since Spurgeon’s life and ministry were ‘for the Church,’ these two roles feed into each other in a wonderful way.”
Medders’ love for Spurgeon goes as far back as when he was a freshman in high school. Amid a difficult season of doubt in his faith, a faithful pastor used an analogy from Spurgeon that brought strength back to his faith. “Since then, Spurgeon has been a constant companion in my studies, spiritual formation, and sermon preparation,” Medders said.
Stating what has continually drawn him to Spurgeon, Medders added, “While I love Spurgeon’s wordsmithing, that’s not the best part of studying him. Studying Spurgeon is a delight because, as the prince of preachers, he always points us to the King of kings. His Christ-centeredness is why I find Spurgeon so compelling.”
The Spurgeon Library’s overall vision is to draw from the vast wealth of resources from Charles Spurgeon’s sermons, books, writings, and ministry and make them available to the church once again. Medders will be a valuable aid in striving for this vision.
Chang stated that Medders’ work in preaching Christ from the Old Testament, along with his pastoral and scholarly experience, will strengthen the Spurgeon Library’s ability to serve the Church with theological depth and clarity.
“In the 19th century, Spurgeon’s official publisher, Passmore & Alabaster, served as his conduit for reaching the world with the truth of Christ. Here in the 21st century, we aspire to do the same,” said Chang.
Speaking about his partnership with Chang, Medders said, “In addition to being a wonderful brother in Christ, a great historian and theologian, Dr. Chang is a premier Spurgeon scholar. I’m thrilled to work with Dr. Chang on ways we can continue to make known the life and ministry of Charles Spurgeon.”
Medders’ efforts on Spurgeon.org and the online presence of the Spurgeon Library will provide more publications, articles, discipleship curriculum, and other resources for the Church.
In addition to his work with the Spurgeon Library, Medders noted what a joy it is to serve as visiting professor of Christian Studies, looking forward to teaching on subjects like biblical spirituality and church planting.
“For me, Christian studies is not limited to the fields of study; it also includes the way we study—worshipfully, reverently, spiritually, joyfully. At the end of the class and semester, I hope students say from the heart, soul, and mind: ‘Jesus is amazing,’” Medders said. “I want us to enjoy God and his gospel to such a degree that we can’t help but tell others, believers and unbelievers, in sermons and on the street, how sweet it is to know and be known by the triune God.”
“I’m looking forward to opening God’s word with students, discussing the awesomeness of Jesus, and teaching how to engage in ministry, theological education, and biblical spirituality for the Church,” Medders concluded.
Reflecting on what makes Dr. Medders a good fit for Midwestern Seminary, Provost Jason Duesing said, “Jeff Medders has a wonderful combination of academic interests, writing productivity, and ministry experience that align well with our faculty and the mission and vision of Midwestern Seminary.”
“His knowledge of the life and ministry of C. H. Spurgeon, as well as his serving on the frontlines of creating resources for local church leaders, allows him to complement our work in the Spurgeon Library with a clear ‘for the Church’ focus,” Duesing continued.
To learn more about Dr. Medders and his ministry, click here.
By Jonathan Lumley
