Contending for the Faith: E. J. Poole-Connor - A Prophet Amidst the Sweeping Changes in English Evangelicalism - Softcover

David Guy Fountain

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1870855329 ISBN 13: 9781870855327

Publisher: The Wakeman Trust, 2005

Synopsis

What lay behind the dramatic collapse into modernism of the main Nonconformist denominations of England in the space of less than seventy years?

This unique book presents the remarkable life of E. J. Poole-Connor, a major preacher whose ministry spanned this most turbulent period in British church life, from the time of Spurgeon to the 1960s, and who brilliantly recorded its events.
Interwoven with biography, David Fountain provides in these pages a fast-moving overview of what happened and why, supplying lessons for today that will be eagerly received by Christians zealous for the defence of the Gospel. This is undoubtedly the author’s most important book, drawing together with considerable skill the key elements of the story.

About this title

Review

‘One of the most stirring and informative Christian books for understanding the spiritual battle today.’ – Dr Peter Masters -- Tabernacle Bookshop Review List, Summer 2005

From the Author

Edward Joshua Poole-Connor was God’s remarkable gift to His people during a troubled and confused time, and his convictions have a very valuable application in our own day. When I began the task of writing this biography, I soon discovered that there was virtually nothing written from an evangelical stand- point about the period of history in which Poole-Connor lived (1872-1962) - once described as ‘a per-iod without parallel in human history, during which the church was devastated by error of every kind, Nonconformity lost its power, and once full chapels were found desolate and deserted...’

This encouraged me to believe there would be great interest in the historical background of this dramatic -period of change. The present volume, therefore, traces the life of E. J. Poole--Connor, and his reaction to the major events in the evangelical world during the collapse of English Nonconformity.

Poole-Connor himself, through his writings, provided so much material, both historical and personal, that it seemed only right to quote often from him, which also serves to illustrate his powerful writing gift. In style this book follows very closely Poole-Connor’s own method. His works were for serious Christians who were prepared to go into matters and to face up to facts, and I have found myself following his methods and approach.

Though I knew Poole-Connor personally, I certainly could not claim a deep acquaintance with him, and though history was the speciality of my undergraduate days, the last hundred years seemed, from the spiritual point of view, an un-charted continent. However, in the providence of God, I was given more help than I could have dreamed of. A close friend of Poole-Connor, George Fromow, surprised me by presenting me with his collection of practically all the articles the former had written during his lifetime. A former Treasurer of the Talbot Tabernacle, London, likewise surprised me with an unexpected store of informa-tion, having kept a record of everything of -importance that took place during the two periods Mr Poole-Connor was minister there, including all the monthly Tabernacle Notes. My most important source of information was Mrs Edith Poole-Connor, whose memory was still very clear. When I had my last interview with her shortly before her death, I was left with the feeling that I had received all the information that I needed. Others also supplied me with much material.

E. J. Poole-Connor, whom God called home 40 years ago, has given us a challenging role model, both in his defence of the faith, and in his pastoral life. We, sadly, lack such role models today and do well to look again at his life. God uses examples but, alas, there are so few who have the consistency and genuineness of this pastor, educator and writer. It must be conceded that some aspects of his view of evangelical unity must be looked at again in the light of unfolding events since his lifetime. Weaknesses in his thinking need to be considered in the light of the development of the body of churches he founded. But what was outstanding was his preparedness to do everything within his power to glorify God in the extension of His kingdom.

He was, indeed, a ‘contender for the faith’, a feature that stands out above everything else in his life. It is also clear that he was prepared to contend even when virtually alone, and to do so in a gracious and biblical fashion.

David G. Fountain, 2004

Edition details

• Publisher: The Wakeman Trust
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1870855329
• ISBN 13: 9781870855327
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 174