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Paying tribute to John Stott

2:49pm Thursday, 28th July 2011

Karen Mudge

All over the world today, those who have been touched by the teaching, writing and ministry of John Stott, remember and pay tribute to him. The former Rector of All Souls Church, Langham Place, London was one of the most significant Christian leaders of the 20th century, and passed away on 27 July 2011 aged 90.

“His legacy through the global impact of the two organisations that he founded, Langham Partnership International and the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity, is incalculable,”

said Chris Wright, Langham Partnership International Director. “His books have challenged and nourished millions of Christians into a balanced and thinking biblical faith.”

In Sydney, Archbishop Peter Jensen reflected on Stott's contribution both worldwide and in Australia.

"We thank God for the inspiring life and ministry of John Stott. He was one of the most remarkable Christian leaders of his generation.

“His impact in Sydney was especially that of an evangelist and an expository Bible teacher, but his faithfulness and creativity ensured a world-wide influence on many fronts."

"He was a man used by God to bless the lives of countless others" the Archbishop said.

Stuart Piggins, Director of the Centre for the History of Christian Thought and Experience at Macquarie University, believes that along with Billy Graham, John Stott was the most important figure in evangelicalism in the second half of the 20^th century, especially as the architect of the type of evangelicalism now embraced in Sydney.

“John Stott always made a great impact when he came to Australia. I remember the marvellous CMS summer school in the 1964-65 when he spoke on 2 Corinthians, on the topic of ‘We Do Not Lose Heart’, and as he said the phrase in Biblical Greek, the Moore college students listening told him, “But that’s not how you say it!” It was a lot of fun.”

“Stott made a great and lasting impact on those who attended that summer.” Piggins remembers how his sister was converted through Stott’s message at that CMS summer school, and how she was able to go and have a private discussion with John Stott.

“Although his chief reputation is as a Bible teacher,” Piggins reflects, “He was a very effective evangelist too.”

John Stott asked that donations following his death might be given to the Langham Partnership, which he founded and which seeks to raise the standards of Biblical teaching and preaching around the world.