John Stott<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nNew York Times<\/em> 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\u00a0Time<\/em> magazine as one of the \u201c100 Most Influential People in the World.\u201d His many books and sermons have inspired and transformed millions throughout the world.<\/span><\/p>\nJohn Robert Walmsley Stott, CBE, 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\u20131950) and then rector (1950\u20131975). 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 eighty-six.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nStott\u2019s influence on evangelicalism throughout the world is extensive. He has written more than fifty books, including various Bible studies and Bible commentaries. As Stott\u2019s main publisher in the U.S., InterVarsity Press enjoyed a wonderful partnership with the man they called \u201cUncle John.\u201d IVP associate publisher for editorial Andy Le Peau said that Stott\u2019s works were embraced for their \u201cclear, 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.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nStott is best known for his many books, especially\u00a0Basic Christianity<\/em> (InterVarsity Press), <\/em>a clear statement of the gospel of Jesus Christ that has been translated into over sixty-three languages;\u00a0The Cross of Christ <\/em>(InterVarsity Press), which former InterVarsity Press publisher James F. Nyquist says \u201cdemonstrates the depth of Stott\u2019s understanding and lifetime commitment\u201d;\u00a0Christian Mission in the Modern World<\/em>(InterVarsity Press), <\/em>in which Stott makes the case that Christian outreach must encompass both evangelism and social action;\u00a0Your Mind Matters <\/em>(InterVarsity Press), a forceful appeal for Christian discipleship that engages the intellect as well as the heart; and\u00a0The Birds, Our Teachers<\/em> (Baker), a study on birds combined with biblical truths and personal anecdotes. InterVarsity Press has also published a biography of John Stott entitled,\u00a0Basic Christian<\/em> by Roger Steer. <\/em>Stott was also the New Testament editor and a major contributor for the highly acclaimed Bible Speaks Today commentary series.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cWe 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,\u201d saidInterVarsity Press publisher Bob Fryling. \u201cJohn 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 \u2018Uncle John\u2019 but we celebrate his life and writings as an extraordinary testimony of one who was abundantly faithful to his Lord Jesus Christ.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nFounded in 1947 as an extension of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship\/USA, InterVarsity Press serves those in the university, the church and the world by publishing thoughtful Christian books that equip and encourage people to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord in all of life.<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nBelow is a video on the 50th Anniversary of Stott\u2019s \u201cBasic Christianity\u201d:<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
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