John Chapman (evangelist)

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Wikipedia

John Charles Chapman (1930–2012), commonly known as Chappo, was an Australian Anglican evangelist and preacher. For twenty-five years he served as Director of the Anglican Department of Evangelism in Sydney, where he influenced a generation of clergy and lay leaders through his preaching, mentoring, and training. He was widely recognized for his clear communication style and for his books on Christian faith and evangelism.[1][2]

Chapman was born in Sydney, New South Wales, in 1930.[1] He trained as a schoolteacher before entering Moore Theological College to study theology. Following ordination, he served as a curate in Moree, New South Wales, where he initiated interchurch prayer meetings and evangelistic outreach within the local community.[2]

In 1968 Chapman was appointed Director of the Anglican Department of Evangelism in Sydney, a position he held until 1993.[1] In this role he conducted missions across Australia and internationally, while also mentoring younger ministers. His leadership helped shape evangelical practice within the Anglican Diocese of Sydney and encouraged public proclamation of the Christian message.[2]

Chapman was known for his clear and practical style of preaching.[1] His book A Fresh Start (1981) became one of the most widely distributed Christian books in Australia, selling tens of thousands of copies.[3] Other works included Know and Tell the Gospel (1979), A Sinner’s Guide to Holiness (2000), and Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life (2002). He frequently spoke at university missions, church conventions, and evangelistic rallies, and was invited to address audiences outside Australia.[2]

Chapman’s ministry left a lasting influence within Australian Anglicanism and the wider evangelical movement.[4] His emphasis on gospel clarity shaped preachers such as Phillip Jensen and Peter Jensen.[1][5] In recognition of his contribution, Moore Theological College named a residential building John Chapman House in his honour.[6][7] His writings continue to be used in evangelism training and lay ministry contexts.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Orpwood 1995.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Stace 2022.
  3. ↑ Obituary, SydneyAnglicans.net, 2012.
  4. ↑ Manchester, Simon (10 March 2013). "The preaching of John Chapman". The Briefing. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  5. ↑ September 14th, Ben McEachen |; Comments, 2017 03:49 PM | Add a Comment. "Does this guy have the best job in the world? - Eternity News". www.eternitynews.com.au. Retrieved 15 July 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  6. ↑ "Guide to Single Residential Housing 2023". www.moore.edu.au. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
  7. ↑ Powell, Russell. "Chappo called home (16 November, 2012)". www.sydneyanglicans.net. Retrieved 2 September 2025.

Further reading

  • Orpwood, Michael (1995). Chappo : for the sake of the gospel : John Chapman and the Department of Evangelism. Russell Lea, Australia: Eagleswift Press. ISBN 1-875981-00-4. OCLC 37322676.
  • Stace, Baden P. (2022). Sydney's one special evangelist : John C. Chapman and the shaping of Anglican Evangelicalism and Australian religious life, 1968-2001. Eugene, Oregon: Wipf & Stock. ISBN 978-1-6667-4908-3. OCLC 1344351083.
  • Walker, S Preston (2005). The Bible to thousands: fulfilling the vision with the Bible Society in Australia 1963-1979. S Preston Walker, Brisbane. ISBN 9780646521473.
  • Walker, S Preston (2008). Enriching Australia through educating indigenous people. KF Walker, Brisbane. ISBN 9780646495569.