Others have written and will write more eloquently about the life and influence of John Stott but I wanted to record a personal reflection which is (I hope) a little more thoughtful than my Facebook post in the immediate aftermath of his death last Wednesday (27th July).
I was given my first book by John Stott when I was about 13 or 14 years of age. My eldest brother gave me a copy of 'Basic Christianity' which still sits on my bookshelf. It was the first 'grown up' Christian book I ever read and it had a huge impact on my understanding of basic Christian belief. When I was a student I read 'The Contemporary Christian' where Stott explained in detail the concept of double listening that so marked his thinking. I immediately felt a sympathy for this approach which took an ancient, unchanging but always relevant Word and determined to apply it rigorously to a modern and rapidly changing world which seemed to be growing increasingly out of step with Christian faith. The practical wisdom demonstrated in its pages helped me to relate what I understood about my faith to the world in which I was called to live it out.
Other Stott books have helped me since. 'The Cross of Christ' deepened my appreciation for that awful, wonderful sacrifice of the Son of God given for my sin. His contribution to the 'Bible Speaks Today' commentary series has been a constantly helpful resource as I have struggled to develop a preaching ministry which attempts (not always successfully) to relate that ancient Word to the reality of 21st century living and serving.
His last book, 'The Radical Disciple' is a call to live out our Christian calling in every area of life from our attitude to the environment to the constant call to die to self and ultimately be prepared for our own deaths.
I only met John Stott once. I was introduced to him on the steps of Union College in Belfast and spoke with him for all of about two minutes. But that doesn't really matter because his writing meant that he became a huge influence on my life and ministry without him ever knowing it. Last year, after reading 'The Radical Disciple' I wrote him a letter to thank him for his writing. I am glad I did. It cost me very little time, effort or money to do and while I am in no doubt that he received thousands of such letters it was important for me to do it.
Along with thousands of others I will be constantly grateful to God for the life and ministry of John Stott. I admit to being saddened on hearing the news of his death to the point of shedding a tear. I was sad that such a humble, gifted, godly man was no longer among us but that sadness quickly gave way to a deeper joy that a faithful servant has received his reward and heard his Lord and Saviour say 'Well done'.
