best-selling books and Rector Emeritus of All Souls Church in London. He died Tuesday at the age of 90.
New York Times columnist David Brooks wrote (quoting Michael
Cromartie of the Ethics and Public Policy Center) that if evangelicals
chose a pope, they would likely select John Stott.
As a principal framer
of the Lausanne Covenant (1974), a defining statement for evangelical
Christians, Stott was at the heart of evangelical renewal in the U.K.
for more than half a century. In 2005, he was honored by Time Magazine
as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World.” His many books
and sermons have inspired and transformed millions throughout the
world.
“We are deeply grateful for this long publishing partnership and
friendship with one of the most influential and beloved evangelical
leaders for the past half-century,” says InterVarsity Press Publisher
Bob Fryling. “John Stott was not only revered; he was loved. He had a
humble mind and a gracious spirit. He was a pastor-teacher whose books
and preaching not only became the gold standard for expository teaching,
but his Christian character was a model of truth and godliness. We will
miss ‘Uncle John’ but we celebrate his life and writings as an
extraordinary testimony of one who was abundantly faithful to his Lord
Jesus Christ.”
Stott was born April 27, 1921, in London
to Sir Arnold Stott, a leading physician, and his wife, Emily. His
father was an agnostic, while his mother was a Lutheran who attended
church at All Souls, Langham Place. He converted to Christianity at
Rugby School in 1938, and after finishing there he went on to study
modern language at Trinity College, Cambridge.
After earning double
firsts in French and theology, he transferred to Ridley Hall Theological
College, Cambridge, and was ordained as an Anglican clergyman in 1945.
Stott became a curate at All Souls Church (1945–1950) and then rector
(1950–1975). He resigned as rector in 1975, although he remained in the
church and was appointed Rector Emeritus.
In 1974 he founded Langham
Partnership International (known as John Stott Ministries in the U.S.), a
ministry that seeks to equip Majority World churches for mission and
spiritual growth. Stott finally retired from public ministry in 2007 at
the age of 86.
Stott’s influence on evangelicalism throughout the world is
extensive. He has written over 50 books, including various Bible
studies and Bible commentaries. As Stott’s main publisher in the U.S.,
InterVarsity Press enjoyed a wonderful partnership with the man they
called “Uncle John.”
IVP Associate Publisher for Editorial Andy Le Peau
said that Stott’s works were embraced for their “clear, balanced, sound
perspective on Scripture and life. He was filled with a grace and
strength that will be dearly missed in this era of extreme viewpoints
and harsh rhetoric.”
Stott is best known for his many books, especially Basic Christianity
(InterVarsity Press), a clear statement of the gospel of Jesus Christ
that has been translated into over 63 languages; The Cross of Christ
(InterVarsity Press), which former InterVarsity Press Publisher James
F. Nyquist says “demonstrates the depth of Stott’s understanding and
lifetime commitment”; Christian Mission in the Modern World (InterVarsity Press), in which Stott makes the case that Christian outreach must encompass both evangelism and social action; Your Mind Matters (InterVarsity Press), a forceful appeal for Christian discipleship that engages the intellect as well as the heart; and The Birds, Our Teachers
(Hendrickson), a study on birds combined with biblical truths and personal
anecdotes.
InterVarsity Press has also published a biography of John
Stott entitled, Basic Christian by Roger Steer. Stott was the New Testament editor and a major contributor for the highly acclaimed Bible Speaks Today commentary series.
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