Theodore Austin-Sparks (1888-19710 Mr. Sparks or TAS

Theodore was a British Christian evangelist and author. He was known as Mr. Sparks or TAS.

He was born in London but at a young age moved to Scotland to live with his father’s relatives. Aged 17 he decided to become a Christian having listened to a group of young street preachers in Glasgow.

He saw the truth of believer’s baptism and as a result got baptized and left the Church of Scotland. Theodore, at the age of 24, was ordained a Baptist and Congregational minister. He became one of Dr. Campbell Morgan’s young men. For 14 years (1912-26) he led 3 congregations in Greater London.

During this time he saw a tremendous change in his congregations. The nominal Christians became ‘born again’ -one after another found the Lord and this turned the church inside out.

Theodore had established himself as a conference speaker especially on teaching the Bible, but a tension was building up inside . He said to his wife,
‘’ I’m going to my study _ _ _ _ .’’ He read Romans chapter 6 - a chapter he knew well-** but this time it was as if heaven opened, and light shone into his heart and for the first time he understood that he was crucified with Christ and the Holy Spirit was within and upon him.**

He emerged from his study a changed man. He began to preach Christ, he began to magnify the Lord Jesus, and the church came into an altogether new experience. He soon began to preach ‘the way of the cross.’

The new experience instead of opening every pulpit, closed them. The authorities thought he was dangerous/unbalanced.

The Baptist Federation, in 1926, wanted a ‘Make More Baptist Year’. Theodore’s church wanted to ’ bring more people to the Lord’ and would not take part. The Federation had the title deeds to the church and house and within a week Theodore was out!

A titled lady, who was a missionary in India, and in England at the time, came to his rescue… A local boys’ school had become vacant and she bought the whole property and gave it to the church. Honor Oak became his family’s home and later became the Honor Oak Christian Fellowship and Conference Centre.

Theodore resigned his baptist ordination. The congregation at Honor Oak all agreed to leave the Baptist denomination. With like-minded Christians he established a conference and training centre at Honor Hall.

Theodore’s ministry went from local , to national, to an international ministry.

In the early days of the conferences people had tremendous experiences of the Spirit of the Lord and of the cross of Christ.

A Witness and a Testimony a bi-monthly magazine was published (1923-1971). He published most of his messages in the magazine.

His speaking ministry took him around the world. His Christian Fellowship Centre was international. Many trained under his ministry became missionaries and Christian teachers.

At the end of his life he was a lone, prophetic voice in a spiritual wilderness

Sources used
The Life and Ministry of TAS
Wikipedia