Robert Chapman: A Biography Paperback – Illustrated, April 1, 2007

Many years ago John Wesley urged every minister to read the diary of David Brainerd, and the ripple effects of his and Jonathan Edwards' commendations helped Brainerd's story to be propelled abroad, and to bear great fruit for the Gospel.I believe Chapman's story needs also to be treasured, and that it could in large part bring a reformation to our understanding of true pastoral ministry. In a day when the local church and the pastoral ministry are being diminished by popular movements and para-church expressions, Chapman's life is a flash of light in the darkness, reminding us that when Christ "ascended on high He led a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men," including "shepherds/pastors."Chapman's life was a 99 year glimpse (especially the last 70 years) of 1 Tim. 3 and Titus 1 incarnated. Charles Spurgeon called him "the saintliest man I ever knew." Hudson Taylor sent missionaries his way for counsel and pastoral care. He was a close friend of George Mueller's.Most importantly, he embodied what the Pastor ought to embody: A grace-filled Christ-likeness that found expression in several ways.1. A fervent prayer life2. A love for the Scriptures3. A remarkable boldness, hospitality, and humility in pastoring the saints4. An evangelistic spirit, expressed locally5. A burden for unreached/unengaged people groupsThese, among many other godly attributes, make Chapman's life a must read for every ministry of Christ. This book will be well worth your time.Bryan PurtlePastor of The Pilgrimage, in Kansas City, MO

If you want to know what the heart of Christ looks like lived out in a human read this book.

Within this book, we find the account of a man made famous for something unique. He was not an entrepreneur nor a politician nor an athlete. Instead, he was someone who loved God, people, and creation. He loved it all so much that he found himself unworthy to have his opinions on anything kept for others to ponder. What a godly example that all Christians should aspire towards!

This is one of the most beneficial biographies you can read for your soul. We cannot and should not strive to be RC Chapman, but we can pursue living our lives Fully Dependent and Leaning on JESUS, no matter, what work HE has given our hands to do today. Chapman's life, shows us what that looks like.

This book is one of those rare, life-changing books. Robert Chapman's example of unconditional love will move you and inspire you. You will want to emulate his gentleness. I have read many biographies; this one is at the top!

Read it through very quickly. Not really "in depth", but pleasing anyway.

Robert Chapman's life was truelly remarkable becasue of his love and devotion to the Word of God, the Bible, and to God. His love for the Gospel and the people was something that few possess today. I recomend this book very much.

Christ is slowly working on my character with the example of this Christ centered and loving man! It's simply one of those life changing books that is a must-read!

Robert Chapman may be the most inspiring person I have ever met in a book. I am so thankful that I read this book as a young adult.

This wonderful biography is unique because it draws us to be more and more like Jesus : R. Chapman could have said : “be imitators of me, as I am of Christ”.

A letter from overseas was once addressed simply to "R C Chapman, University of Love, England"; yet so well known was its intended recipient and his reputation that it was correctly delivered to Robert Chapman, the Pastor of an Assembly of Christians in Barnstaple, Devon. Charles Spurgeon once described him as "the saintliest an I ever knew".This self-effacing, humble man rubbed shoulders with and was consulted by the likes of Spurgeon, Hudson Taylor, J N Darby, George Muller and even Gladstone, the Prime Minister, yet was always reluctant to see his own name in print lest it draw attention to himself and detract from the Lord. Raised in a wealthy family and educationally privileged, Chapman became a prosperous lawyer, only to give it all up soon after his conversion and adopt a simple lifestyle as a Pastor in a deprived area of Barnstaple where he served the cause of the Gospel for 70 years, still preaching in his 98th year and enjoying remarkably good health.Chapman was one of the leading lights of the early days of the Brethren Movement, deeply grieved by the splits that occurred under the influence of men like Darby. As well as faithfully pastoring his own congregation and showing remarkable grace towards those who opposed him, he had a deep burden for Gospel work in Spain and Ireland and was a lifelong adviser to and supporter of Hudson Taylor's CIM. Chapman undertook three lengthy journeys in Spain and one in Ireland, covering the vast majority of the ground by foot so that he would have maximum opportunities to speak personally to people about his Saviour.From the beginning of his ministry, Robert Chapman wanted his home used as a spiritual retreat for Christian workers and this ministry was used to the blessing of many. A lifelong single man, Chapman exercised great practical and spiritual hospitality to all his guests, even insisting on cleanng their shoes each evening; the nearest expression he could find of washing their feet. Chapman was a man of strict personal discipline; even in his nineties rising at 3 in the morning for extended times of personal devotions and physical exercise.This is a fascinating and inspiring account of a little known saintly man and provides some interesting insights into the churches of the 19th century and the growth of the Brethren movement. You can't read this and fail to be humbled by the example of such a Christ-like man while, at the same time, being drawn afresh to the Christ he served so selflessly and faithfully for so many years.

I must confess I have a special interest in this book since I live in North Devon, and many of the people names and place names are known to me. However, having said that, I am more than delighted that I came across a good review for the book in one of our Christian news papers, and although I don't read many books apart from the Bible I knew I had to read this one.Very few people will have heard of Robert Chapman and that is the way he would have liked it. But, back in the eighteen hundreds he was very well known throughout the world - not just because he was clever, a good administrator, or even a good pastor and man of God - but because he was a man of Christ like love. He is even called "The Apostle of Love"! I wish I could have known him personally, although thanks to Robert L Peterson, and his pain taking research I almost feel as though I have met Rev Chapman.Having read the book once, and I know I will be reading it again sometime, I put it down reluctantly and asked our gracious Father to place upon me that mantle of love. Oh to have the love and patience that Robert Chapman had! Yes, one can learn to love but Robert's Christ like love is a very special gift from our loving God who is after all the author of love.Most certainly I believe every Christian should read this book. If all of us who profess to be born again in our spirits thanks to the redeeming blood of Jesus could show just a little of this kind of love to our fellow beings, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ, then the Church of Jesus would most certainly be a force to be reckoned with!Read this book and see if you don't agree with me!

Best book I have read on Christian leadership bar none. What a wonderful example of a Christian follower RC Chapman was.