CHARLES SIMEON by Bill Gemaehlich
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ith the unprecedented times in biblical preaching as an evangelical. In April which we are living, Romans 12:12 1831, after pastoring at Trinity Church for 49 reminds us to “Rejoice in hope, be patient years, his friend Joseph Gurney asked him in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (ESV). how he endured so much persecution and One man of great faith who demonstrated prejudice, he said, “My dear brother, we such patient endurance during tribulation must not mind a little suffering for Christ’s is Pastor Charles Simeon. sake. When I am getting through a hedge, if Charles Simeon was born in 1759 in Read- my head and shoulders are safely through, ing, England. He was the son of a wealthy I can bear the pricking of my legs. Let us attorney and grew up in an unbelieving rejoice in the remembrance that our holy family. He first attended Eton College and Head has surmounted all His suffering and then went on to King’s triumphed over death. Let His commitment and us follow Him patiently; College at Cambridge where he came to faith in we shall soon be partakers patient endurance Christ. In 1782, soon after of His victory”1 through great graduating, he was called With extraordinary opposition is a model devotion for Christ and to pastor Trinity Church we should look to in Cambridge. From the the love of God’s people, beginning, he was very emulate as we endure Simeon faithfully preached unpopular with his con- trials and persecution. in the same church for 54 gregation because they felt years. His commitment he was given the pastorate undeservedly and patient endurance through great oppoover their associate vicar John Hammond. sition is a model we should look to emulate During his tenure at Trinity Church, his ser- as we endure trials and persecution. As vices were disrupted—congregants refused we come together to pray let Romans 12:12 to participate and would even lock their be our prayer this month. pew doors to prevent others from attend“Rejoice in hope, be patient in ing. Rather than resigning or scolding his tribulation, be constant in prayer.” congregation, Simeon resolved to let God’s (Romans 12:12) word and prayer overcome their opposition. It only took 12 years. 1 H.C.G. Moule, Charles Simeon, London: InterVarsity, 1948, 155f. In addition to his pastorate, Simeon also suffered persecution while serving as a Bill Gemaehlich is the EVP/COO operations at fellow at Cambridge University. He was Insight for Living Ministries insulted on streets by students who were prejudiced by his congregation and for his
