John Stott

I received the news from two different friends yesterday that British pastor, theologian, and leader, John Stott, died yesterday at the age of 90. I had the privilege of spending a weekend in London with John Stott when I was 26 years old (he was 70), and my time with him made a lasting impression on me.

I found several obituaries on John’s life yesterday and they were great reminders and encouragements to me. One spoke of John’s unique leadership in the evangelical church during the 20th century in re-uniting the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. Go make disciples and love your neighbor as yourself. These two themes have often been expressed by the conservative and liberal sides of the church respectively. It was encouraging to know that John shared the desire to see these re-united in every church: Uncompromisingly sharing the message of the cross while simultaneously caring for the poor and vulnerable.

The second quality of John that was highlighted was John’s continuous challenge of the church to be reaching out to people who had yet to embrace the Gospel. I often feel overcome by God’s love and sacrifice for outsiders and lonely in feeling so close to God when thinking of outsiders. It comforts me to know that this great man had a similar passion.

Thirdly, I personally remember John for his humility. I joined him at his flat in London for breakfast one day and sat stunned as he deliberately had me and some others sit while he waited on us. I couldn’t believe it. He was committed to the simple tasks of making me feel welcomed and cared for in his home, even though I was just a young single American guy. It was a stunning contrast to what we often see in Christian leaders who pander to power brokers and consider themselves above menial tasks.

Lastly, I sat with him over an adult beverage and asked him what he thought the greatest challenge for today’s church was. He said authentic and godly leaders in the pulpit. In a country like the US which seems obsessed with all thing large, loud, and proud, John’s words help me stay focused on the quiet and profound struggle of being made like Christ.

John’s journey to heaven is our loss and heaven’s gain. Here’s to a life well-lived. Better still… a life exceptionally-lived. Thanks for showing me Jesus, John. I am a better man for it.