Did you know. . . . . . John Stott's father stood strongly against his desire to be ordained in the Church of England and his pacifist leanings during World War II? . . . John Stott once got lost following birds in the Amazon rainforest? . . . John Stott once dressed up as a street urchin, fashioned a "strong Cockney accent" and lived under a bridge near the Thames in London in order to see how others lived--and whether or not the good Christians of the city reached out to them? (They did not.) . . . John Stott and the late D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones had a major breach in their relationship over Stott's refusal to leave the Church of England? In the engaging story of this remarkable life, Roger Steer takes you from John Stott's lifelong association with the parish church of All Souls in London to every continent on the planet. The account of Stott's ministry strikingly parallels the record of the rise of evangelical Christianity during the same years. You'll see the early influences on his life unfold into Stott's profound impact on the Church of England and the church worldwide. His associations with the British Inter-Varsity, Billy Graham, the Keswick Convention and the Urbana Conventions are woven together with the story of the landmark books he wrote-- and more. Included is the dramatic confrontation with Martyn Lloyd-Jones over the place of evangelicals in the Church of England. You'll witness the critical role Stott's leadership played in the framing of the Lausanne Covenant and how his plea for a new understanding of the balance between evangelism and social action shaped the decades to come. This completely new biography tells the full tale of why he was, as magazine noted in 2005, one of the hundred most influential people in the world.
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"Roger Steer has paid close attention to many parts of John Stott's story. Basic Christian provides us windows into some of the reasons and ways Stott's life and ministry have had such global impact. I am moved again with deep gratitude for John Stott, and the faithfulness and wisdom, courage and humility with which he has lived and communicated the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Mark Labberton, Ogilvie Associate Professor of Preaching and director of the Ogilvie Institute of Preaching, Fuller Theological Seminary)
"I call you 'the wizard'--because I don't know how you did it!" (John Stott)
"A young boy perched on a church balcony, dropping paper pellets into the hats of the ladies beneath him, grows into the greatest Anglican of the last 100 years--with warmth, perception and sympathy, Roger Steer describes the lifelong journey of John Stott. Scrupulously researched, vividly written, this book lights up the character of the man with the longest shadow in the modern church." (Jeremy Vine, BBC)
"In this engaging, splendid and admirably readable biography, Roger Steer offers compelling details of Uncle John's life journey, the man of all continents, a unique humble and faithful servant of God with a phenomenal achievement. It is impossible to read it without learning a lot, being inspired, touched and renewed. Uncle John's biography displays a force and a resonance that will challenge and impact the younger generations who have to resist the pressure of the postmodern era." (Daniel Bourdanné, International Fellowship of Evangelical Students, General Secretary)
"As [a] former neighbor of John Stott's for twenty-two years, I am--with thousands of others--indebted to Roger Steer for his winsome account of the life and leadership of this, the unofficial holder of the Blue Riband in Bible ministry worldwide." (Richard Bewes, former rector, All Souls, London)
"This is a fascinating story told well of a man, described in the pages of this book, as one of the most influential Christians of the twentieth century. It documents a life well lived and worthy of imitation, but it also charts some landmark moments in the history of worldwide evangelicalism. This is a valuable record of both a man and a movement. Roger Steer paints a compelling portrait packed with lessons for any who would aspire to be servant leaders in Christ’s church." (Rev. Ian Coffey, Moorlands College, England)
"This account of John Stott's life and ministry not only helps us understand so much of recent evangelical history but also provides us with a wonderful model of humble Christ-centeredness. We should take every opportunity to learn from the example of this great man of God." (Vaughan Roberts, author of God's Big Picture)
"Continually engrossing, utterly fascinating, deeply inspiring and profoundly challenging. A highly accessible portrait of a modern hero, which will be certain to have an impact on any serious reader. For all his clarity, brilliance, intelligence and persuasiveness, what is most striking throughout the pages of this book is his love, his Christlike servant-heartedness." (Simon Virgo, New Life Church, Kent, England)
"Loved by the African poor and called to advise British royalty, living simply and listed amongst Time magazine's most influential people, here is the story of a remarkable man. This engaging biography provides some unexpected insights, whether coping with family opposition, caring for London's under-privileged, or experiencing the pain of criticism and disagreement. It demonstrates why a world-famous writer and Bible teacher is known for the Christlike quality of humility, and not only introduces us to one of the great Christian leaders of our time but points us to the Lord whom he has served so faithfully." (Jonathan Lamb, director of Langham Preaching, Langham Partnership International)
"Informal and readable but informative and insightful." (John Wyatt, University College, London)
"I call you 'the wizard'--because I don't know how you did it!" (John Stott)
"A young boy perched on a church balcony, dropping paper pellets into the hats of the ladies beneath him, grows into the greatest Anglican of the last 100 years--with warmth, perception and sympathy, Roger Steer describes the lifelong journey of John Stott. Scrupulously researched, vividly written, this book lights up the character of the man with the longest shadow in the modern church." (Jeremy Vine, BBC)
"In this engaging, splendid and admirably readable biography, Roger Steer offers compelling details of Uncle John's life journey, the man of all continents, a unique humble and faithful servant of God with a phenomenal achievement. It is impossible to read it without learning a lot, being inspired, touched and renewed. Uncle John's biography displays a force and a resonance that will challenge and impact the younger generations who have to resist the pressure of the postmodern era." (Daniel Bourdanné, International Fellowship of Evangelical Students, General Secretary)
"As [a] former neighbor of John Stott's for twenty-two years, I am--with thousands of others--indebted to Roger Steer for his winsome account of the life and leadership of this, the unofficial holder of the Blue Riband in Bible ministry worldwide." (Richard Bewes, former rector, All Souls, London)
"This is a fascinating story told well of a man, described in the pages of this book, as one of the most influential Christians of the twentieth century. It documents a life well lived and worthy of imitation, but it also charts some landmark moments in the history of worldwide evangelicalism. This is a valuable record of both a man and a movement. Roger Steer paints a compelling portrait packed with lessons for any who would aspire to be servant leaders in Christ’s church." (Rev. Ian Coffey, Moorlands College, England)
"This account of John Stott's life and ministry not only helps us understand so much of recent evangelical history but also provides us with a wonderful model of humble Christ-centeredness. We should take every opportunity to learn from the example of this great man of God." (Vaughan Roberts, author of God's Big Picture)
"Continually engrossing, utterly fascinating, deeply inspiring and profoundly challenging. A highly accessible portrait of a modern hero, which will be certain to have an impact on any serious reader. For all his clarity, brilliance, intelligence and persuasiveness, what is most striking throughout the pages of this book is his love, his Christlike servant-heartedness." (Simon Virgo, New Life Church, Kent, England)
"Loved by the African poor and called to advise British royalty, living simply and listed amongst Time magazine's most influential people, here is the story of a remarkable man. This engaging biography provides some unexpected insights, whether coping with family opposition, caring for London's under-privileged, or experiencing the pain of criticism and disagreement. It demonstrates why a world-famous writer and Bible teacher is known for the Christlike quality of humility, and not only introduces us to one of the great Christian leaders of our time but points us to the Lord whom he has served so faithfully." (Jonathan Lamb, director of Langham Preaching, Langham Partnership International)
"Informal and readable but informative and insightful." (John Wyatt, University College, London)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
In 2005, Time magazine named John Stott one of the 100 most influential people in the world. The profile of him was penned by none other than Billy Graham, arguably the most influential American Christian leader of the 20th Century. Graham wrote: "I can't think of anyone who has been more effective in introducing so many people to a biblical world view. He represents a touchstone of authentic biblical scholarship that, in my opinion, has scarcely been paralleled since the days of the 16th century European Reformers."
My guess is that most of Time's readers scratched their heads at the editors' choice of Stott, not to mention Graham's usage of the phrase, "biblical world view." But to anyone cognizant of the growth and influence of international evangelicalism, the choice made perfect sense. Stott is indeed one of the most prolific writers and influential organizers of contemporary evangelical Christianity.
Stott was born on April 27, 1921, in the London parish of All Soul's Church. He would be associated with this congregation of the Church of England his entire life, first as parishioner, then as curate, rector, and rector emeritus. At this church, he developed his expository style of preaching, characterized by the act of "double listening," to the Word of God and to the contemporary world. And out of this church, he organized the Langham Partnership, which provides graduate scholarships and academic resources to Christian leaders in the developing world.
On the international scene, his greatest influence has been felt through his organizational influence on and intellectual leadership of the Lausanne movement, which was founded by none other than Billy Graham. (Their association extends across six decades.... Read more ›
My guess is that most of Time's readers scratched their heads at the editors' choice of Stott, not to mention Graham's usage of the phrase, "biblical world view." But to anyone cognizant of the growth and influence of international evangelicalism, the choice made perfect sense. Stott is indeed one of the most prolific writers and influential organizers of contemporary evangelical Christianity.
Stott was born on April 27, 1921, in the London parish of All Soul's Church. He would be associated with this congregation of the Church of England his entire life, first as parishioner, then as curate, rector, and rector emeritus. At this church, he developed his expository style of preaching, characterized by the act of "double listening," to the Word of God and to the contemporary world. And out of this church, he organized the Langham Partnership, which provides graduate scholarships and academic resources to Christian leaders in the developing world.
On the international scene, his greatest influence has been felt through his organizational influence on and intellectual leadership of the Lausanne movement, which was founded by none other than Billy Graham. (Their association extends across six decades.... Read more ›
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Having read Timothy Dudley-Smith's two volume biography of John Stott some eight years ago, I thought this book of 288 pages might be somewhat boring, but instead I found it highly interesting and more personable. I learned more about Frances Whitehead, Stott's longtime secretary, and his various study assistants over the years.
One of the book's advantages is it contains information of Stott's recent years, through 2008, including his illnesses and living in a residential community near Lingfield, Surrey.
The full "Contents and Timeline" in the front of the book highlights the contents of each chapter by date and event, making it unnecessary to have an index at the back of the book. One feature I particularly liked in the bibliography was the listing of John Stott's published works by year. Several of the most recent ones were unknown to me, and I already have ordered one of them.
If you like John Stott, you will like this book.
One of the book's advantages is it contains information of Stott's recent years, through 2008, including his illnesses and living in a residential community near Lingfield, Surrey.
The full "Contents and Timeline" in the front of the book highlights the contents of each chapter by date and event, making it unnecessary to have an index at the back of the book. One feature I particularly liked in the bibliography was the listing of John Stott's published works by year. Several of the most recent ones were unknown to me, and I already have ordered one of them.
If you like John Stott, you will like this book.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
When my pastor, Pastor Brian Brodersen, recommends a book on his Back to Basics Radio blog I pay attention. After reading the review I immediately ordered my own copy from Amazon. Here is what he said:
One of the things I really enjoy doing is reading biographies of men and women of faith. One of my favorite biographers is Roger Steer, whose biography on J. Hudson Taylor was superb. When I heard a few weeks ago that Roger Steer had recently written a biography on John Stott, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it! So having secured a copy I sat down over the past few days and read through it. What a blessing! I've been reading books by John Stott ever since I began training for the ministry 30 years ago and have always enjoyed his writings.
I remember the first time I taught through Paul's epistle to the Galatians, Stott's commentary on Galatians was so helpful. To this day I think it's the best commentary on Galatians I've read. His commentaries on the Acts of the Apostles and the Sermon on the Mount are brilliant as well. His book, Between Two Worlds: The Art of Preaching in the Twentieth Century, is a classic and a must-read for preachers. I don't think there's anything John Stott has written that I wouldn't recommend, especially to those who preach and teach the Word. But I must say that reading Roger Steer's, Basic Christian: The Inside Story of John Stott, gave me a whole new appreciation for this great man of God.... Read more ›
One of the things I really enjoy doing is reading biographies of men and women of faith. One of my favorite biographers is Roger Steer, whose biography on J. Hudson Taylor was superb. When I heard a few weeks ago that Roger Steer had recently written a biography on John Stott, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it! So having secured a copy I sat down over the past few days and read through it. What a blessing! I've been reading books by John Stott ever since I began training for the ministry 30 years ago and have always enjoyed his writings.
I remember the first time I taught through Paul's epistle to the Galatians, Stott's commentary on Galatians was so helpful. To this day I think it's the best commentary on Galatians I've read. His commentaries on the Acts of the Apostles and the Sermon on the Mount are brilliant as well. His book, Between Two Worlds: The Art of Preaching in the Twentieth Century, is a classic and a must-read for preachers. I don't think there's anything John Stott has written that I wouldn't recommend, especially to those who preach and teach the Word. But I must say that reading Roger Steer's, Basic Christian: The Inside Story of John Stott, gave me a whole new appreciation for this great man of God.... Read more ›
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By E. Ritzema
Format:Paperback
John Stott had gradually slipped off the world stage over the last few years. But when he died at the age of 90 in July 2011, suddenly he became an object of conversation. He was without peer as an evangelical Christian leader in Britain and the world. It is a testament to his talents as a bridge-builder that tributes to him came from all over the world and all over the spectrum of political and religious belief.
This biography by Roger Steer was written in 2009, and was based in part on conversations with Stott and several of his friends. It traces Stott's life from his early days as the son of a prominent physician, to his days at Cambridge and his decision to become a pastor, to his time as curate and rector of All Souls in London and his rise to international prominence. It gives details about his many travels, his contributions to the evangelical Christian movement and his friendships with other well-known people.
In it, Stott comes across as a man with a gift for friendship, a sharp mind, a sense of humor and a deep commitment to Jesus as Lord of all of life. The book is not afraid to present Stott "warts and all," but there really aren't many warts. Despite his gift for friendship, Stott could be reserved. With his great intelligence and disciplined lifestyle, he could sometimes be impatient with those who were more sloppy in their thinking or less disciplined in their living than he was. However, he was a man who was conscious of his faults and humble enough to admit them.
Stott has long been a hero of mine, and this book did nothing to change that. If anything, it made me miss Stott even more. He was able to remain biblically faithful and speak charitably with those whom he disagreed.... Read more ›
This biography by Roger Steer was written in 2009, and was based in part on conversations with Stott and several of his friends. It traces Stott's life from his early days as the son of a prominent physician, to his days at Cambridge and his decision to become a pastor, to his time as curate and rector of All Souls in London and his rise to international prominence. It gives details about his many travels, his contributions to the evangelical Christian movement and his friendships with other well-known people.
In it, Stott comes across as a man with a gift for friendship, a sharp mind, a sense of humor and a deep commitment to Jesus as Lord of all of life. The book is not afraid to present Stott "warts and all," but there really aren't many warts. Despite his gift for friendship, Stott could be reserved. With his great intelligence and disciplined lifestyle, he could sometimes be impatient with those who were more sloppy in their thinking or less disciplined in their living than he was. However, he was a man who was conscious of his faults and humble enough to admit them.
Stott has long been a hero of mine, and this book did nothing to change that. If anything, it made me miss Stott even more. He was able to remain biblically faithful and speak charitably with those whom he disagreed.... Read more ›
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A New Favorite Biography
If you want to know about Evangelicalism as a movement you have to become familiar with John Stott. I was first introduced to him years ago through his magnificent work, The Cross... Read more
Published 21 months ago by Jacob Sweeney
5.0 out of 5 stars
England's Evangelist - A Wonderful Biography
Roger Steer has written another fine biography - this time about an Englishman who is known in evangelical circles as a consistent evangelical clergyman who, to this day, continues... Read more
Published on March 24, 2011 by V. L. Wilson
2.0 out of 5 stars
Basic Christian: The Inside Story of John Stott
I thought this was a very good story, but very badly written--choppy, not smoothly put together. He puts in trivia and pretends it is important, but leaves out the significance,... Read more
Published on February 25, 2011 by Jane Parry
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Story of Stott
John Stott has long been one of the primary voices of worldwide evangelicalism. This new biography of Stott fills in the details of his lengthy ministry. Read more
Published on August 5, 2010 by Trevin Wax
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