Who was John Stott?
John Stott was an influential evangelical Christian leader and Anglican cleric from England who lived from 1921 to 2011. He made significant contributions to the worldwide evangelical movement and wrote over 50 books on theology and the Christian faith. Here is an overview of his life and ministry:
Early Life and Education
John R.W. Stott was born in London on April 27, 1921 to Sir Arnold and Emily Stott. His father was a leading physician who served as president of the Medical Missionary Association. Stott grew up in a comfortable home in Harpenden, Hertfordshire and attended Rugby School. As a young man, he began questioning the Christian faith but had a conversion experience at Rugby in 1938 during a chapel talk. This led him to devote his life to Christ.
Stott went on to study modern languages at Trinity College, Cambridge. There he came under the discipleship of some notable Christians like Charles Simeon. Stott was known as a warm, humble, and gracious individual even as a student. He graduated with double firsts in French and theology by 1942.
Ministry and Career
After Cambridge, Stott was ordained in the Church of England in 1945. He served briefly as a curate at All Souls Church in Langham Place before becoming rector in 1950, a position he held until 1975. Under his leadership and preaching ministry, All Souls experienced remarkable growth and became a prominent evangelical church in London.
From the 1950s through the 1970s, Stott gained wider recognition as a leader of the evangelical movement, especially within the Anglican church. He was instrumental in the establishment of the National Evangelical Anglican Congress in 1967 and served as chair of the Church of England Evangelical Council from 1967 to 1984.
In 1974, Stott founded the Langham Partnership, an organization dedicated to equipping pastors around the world with evangelical resources. It has provided preaching training, scholarship funds, books, and other aid to Christian leaders in over 150 countries.
Stott was also heavily involved with the student ministry Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF), serving as president from 1967 to 1971. He maintained a global preaching and teaching ministry, speaking at conferences and churches worldwide. He was known for his clear, faithful, and thoughtful biblical exposition.
Stott authored dozens of bestselling books on theology, ministry, and the Christian life, including Basic Christianity (1958), Issues Facing Christians Today (1984), The Cross of Christ (1986), and The Radical Disciple (2010). His writings had a major impact on 20th century evangelicalism. While rooted in orthodox theology, Stott showed an irenic spirit towards Christians of differing views. He also took up unpopular causes like ecological stewardship long before they were mainstream.
Later Years and Death
Even after retiring from parish ministry, Stott remained active in ministry well into his eighties. He was awarded numerous honorary doctorates and appointed a Chaplain to the Queen in 1959. He turned down the offer to become a bishop in the Church of England on multiple occasions in order to keep focused on preaching and writing.
In 2007, Stott was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine. As a mentor to thousands around the globe, he humbly deflected praise and pointed people towards faith in Jesus. Even in his late life, Stott displayed a simple devotion to Christ.
On July 27, 2011, John Stott passed away peacefully in his retirement home at the age of 90. He remained single his entire life in order to fully dedicate himself to kingdom work. Stott left behind a legacy of godly leadership and a treasure trove of theological resources. His example and teaching continues to inspire Christians around the world.
Theological Contributions
John Stott is considered one of the most important evangelical theologians of the 20th century. Here are some of his key theological emphases:
Biblical Authority: Stott had a very high view of Scripture and its authority in all matters of Christian faith and living. He promoted expository preaching and teaching that was grounded in careful study of the biblical text.
Christocentric Focus: Central to Stott’s theology was the glory and supremacy of Jesus Christ. He emphasized Christ’s majesty as Lord, His atoning death on the cross, and His call to radical discipleship. The cross of Christ was a frequent theme in his preaching and writing.
Social Concern: Long before most evangelicals, Stott asserted that the gospel had implications for society, politics, and creation care. He championed issues like poverty alleviation, racial reconciliation, and environmental stewardship. Stott believed the whole gospel addressed both personal and social brokenness.
Global Christianity: Stott saw himself as not just an English minister but a servant of the worldwide church of Jesus Christ. This was reflected in his extensive international ministry and the global focus of organizations he founded. He did much to strengthen Majority World church leaders.
Lausanne Covenant: Stott was a key shaper of the Lausanne Covenant, a landmark 1974 document that outlined core evangelical beliefs and set the tone for modern evangelicalism. Stott drafted much of the document and ensured it affirmed social action as part of the church’s mission.
Basic Christianity: Stott argued for the intellectual credibility of Christian faith in an increasingly secular society. He emphasized the reasonableness of Christianity’s core truth claims about God, Christ, the cross, resurrection, and new life. Stott showed how biblical faith addresses life’s deepest questions.
Influential Works
During his long ministry career, John Stott authored over 50 books, many of which have become evangelical classics. Here are some of his most important volumes:
– Basic Christianity (1958): A clear explanation of the gospel and the essence of the Christian faith. It defends Christianity’s rationality and coherence.
– The Preacher’s Portrait (1961): A guide to biblical exposition and faithful preaching, including reflections on the preacher’s life and character.
– Issues Facing Christians Today (1984): A compelling analysis of contemporary ethical issues like abortion, euthanasia, and divorce through a biblical lens.
– The Cross of Christ (1986): A thorough biblical and theological study on the meaning of Christ’s atoning death on the cross. Stott’s most influential book.
– Evangelical Truth: A Personal Plea for Unity (1999): A call for evangelicals to exhibit humble orthodoxy, civility, and unity despite differences on secondary issues.
– The Radical Disciple (2010): A summation of Stott’s vision for radical, sacrificial obedience to Jesus Christ amid comfortable Western Christianity.
Legacy and Impact
During his long ministry career, John Stott became a towering figure of 20th century evangelicalism. Here are some key aspects of his legacy:
– Gifted preacher and pastor with a gift for explaining complex theology in clear, compelling ways. His sermons and books influenced millions.
– Unifying leader who brought evangelicals together across denominational and cultural lines. Provided wisdom and vision at critical junctures.
– Mentor to generations of pastors and Christian leaders across the globe, especially in Majority World countries. Invested deeply in training emerging leaders.
– Theological anchor who upheld biblical orthodoxy amid theological turbulence. Combated dangerous new trends. Shaped the Lausanne Covenant.
– Pioneer model of the “thinking pastor” who combined vocational ministry with serious scholarship. Wrote academically rigorous works accessible to lay Christians.
– Passionate apologist who argued for Christianity’s reasonableness and gave thoughtful responses to contemporary objections. Made the gospel plausible to secular people.
– Humble example of godliness, integrity, and self-sacrifice. Lived simply and avoided self-promotion. Remained single to devote himself fully to the cause of Christ.
John Stott was not a perfect man, but few Christian leaders of the modern era have had a bigger global impact. Through his preaching, writing, mentoring, and institution building, Stott did much to advance Christ’s kingdom worldwide. He left the church with a priceless legacy of biblical teaching and discipleship. Stott’s influence continues today as pastors, scholars, and lay Christians draw insight and inspiration from his words and example. For all these reasons, he deserves to be remembered as a faithful servant of Jesus Christ who made His name known amongst all nations.