Renowned pastor Rick Warren is to become to first “honorary chancellor” of leading UK Christian college, Spurgeon’s, where his great-great-grandfather was once a student.

The US pastor is the founder of Saddleback Church in California, which boasts nineteen locations and a significant number of international followers. In 2009, he delivered the invocation at the inauguration of Barack Obama.

Warren's books “The Purpose-Driven Church” and “The Purpose-Driven Life,” have sold millions of copies around the world, and been published in hundreds of languages.

In his new role, Pastor Warren will provide guest lectures as part of the Spurgeon’s online learning portals, accessed by students globally, as well supporting the college in their evangelism.

Pastor Warren’s installation as the first Chancellor of Spurgeon’s College builds on the significant progress the institution has made in recent years, culminating in its securing of Full Degree Awarding Powers in 2022.

The award is not subject specific, and so permits the college to create new degrees in other disciplines in the future based on student demand and the college’s core mission.

The college, founded by its namesake, the famous preacher Charles Spurgeon, in the nineteenth century, aims to become the first home-grown university in Croydon, London.

Commenting on his new appointment, Pastor Warren said: “I am delighted to have officially joined Spurgeon’s College as its first Chancellor at this important time in its development and mission.”

“The college has played a guiding role in my family’s history and I am grateful to God and the college for this opportunity to give back to this community.

“Spurgeon’s College has had a long and significant ministry, but when we let the Holy Spirit lead us, our best days are always ahead of us.  I have always believed that, and I believe it more today than ever before.

“I am excited and thankful to be beginning this work with the College.”