The next principal of Spurgeon's College is the Revd Dr Roger Standing, college governors have announced.

Dr Standing will succeed the current principal, the Revd Dr Nigel Wright, in September 2013. He is currently deputy principal, director of training and tutor in Mission, Evangelism and Pioneer Ministry at Spurgeon's, a statement on the Spurgeon's website explained.   

In addition to his experience in theological education and ministerial and church leadership formation, Roger has extensive knowledge of the Baptist movement, gained especially in the time he served as regional minister (team leader) in the Southern Counties Baptist Association from 2001 to 2007.  

He was also a member of the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB) Ministry Executive from 2001 to 2007 and was moderator of the BUGB Mission Executive from 2008 to 2011.  

There was widespread approval of his appointment.

The Revd David Coffey, chair of the College Council said, 'I am delighted that Roger Standing has been appointed principal elect of Spurgeon's. He brings to the post a rich experience of pastoral and mission ministry at local and regional levels.  

'His intimate knowledge of the Baptist networks is immensely valuable to the College in a time of major transition for the Baptist Union.'

Dr Wright said he had already proven to be 'an excellent tutor, well appreciated by staff and students alike,' with a firm grasp of how the college works.

He added, 'I am sure that all the good things that Spurgeon's has going for it will be taken up into a positive and constructive future on which he will also make his distinctive mark as one who is deeply committed to the well-being of the churches and to fulfilling our common mission.'

The Revd Jonathan Edwards, general secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britian, said, 'I am pleased to hear of Roger Standing's appointment as the new principal and pray that the College will continue to move forward with confidence and creativity.  

'Spurgeon's College occupies an extremely important place in the life and affection of the Baptist Union. Roger has served our Union faithfully as a local minister, regional minister and College tutor and I am sure that we would all want to assure him of our love and support as he serves as principal.  

'There are many challenges ahead for all our colleges and we need to pray that Roger is given all the strength and wisdom that he needs for this important ministry.'

Dr Standing has recently been a member of the Baptist Union Futures Group, which explored options about how best to resource and support the denomination in the future.

He is also familiar with London, working as senior minister at West Croydon Baptist Church, a thriving multi-cultural congregation, from 1990 to 2001.  During this time, he worked with other local churches to develop a response to the growing numbers of refugees coming to Croydon and was a founding trustee of the West Croydon Refugee Day Centre.

Sarah King, chair of governors, said this experience would serve him well. 'He has a strong vision for the future of the College as it seeks to support the Baptist movement, both locally and nationally, and works ecumenically to equip churches, especially those with black and minority ethnic and Pentecostal identities, in London and the South East.  He knows the college well. As a Board, we look forward to working with him.'

Those outside immediate college circles also highlighted his varied ministry. Writing on his blog the Revd Neil Brighton, minister of Poynton Baptist Church, described it as 'an important appointment for several reasons'.

'First, Spurgeon's is responsible for the formation of a large proportion of Bapist Ministers in England and therefore the ethos and direction of the College have an impact on the whole denomination,' he wrote.  

'Second, as the wider Union (BUGB) undergoes significant structural change the role of the colleges will become even more strategically important.

'Roger's passion for mission and relationship with the Association Team Leaders will be significant for both.'