John Stott, Pastor and Theologian
Dates: 1921-2011
Locations: London, England
Context: John Stott was an Anglican priest and theologian who is considered one of the most influential evangelical Christians of the twentieth century. Born in London to an agnostic father and a Christian mother, Stott was baptized, raised, and confirmed in the Church of England. It was not until his late teenage years, however, that he experienced a profound conversion to Christ. He studied French and theology at the University of Cambridge, then pursued training for ordination at Ridley Hall, Cambridge. Ordained deacon and then priest, he served his curacy at All Souls Church in Langham Place, the same parish where he was a member for most of his life. He eventually became rector of All Souls and served in that capacity for twenty-five years. A lifelong celibate, Stott thoroughly utilized the time, energy, and mobility accompanying this lifestyle. He traveled the world preaching and lecturing, as well as publishing prolifically. In all, he wrote over 50 books. Stott eventually became an influential spokesperson for the international evangelical movement. Notably, he encouraged evangelical Christians to remain in the Church of England, as opposed to leaving it to form more “pure” denominations, as some other evangelical leaders had encouraged. Stott died of natural causes at the age of 90. Like his American counterpart Billy Graham, Stott encouraged his readers and listeners to embrace a deeply personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He describes a significant moment in his conversion experience below.
Excerpt from an interview with Timothy Dudley-Smith:
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). Here, then, is the crucial question which we have been leading up to: Have we ever opened our door to Christ? Have we ever invited him in? This was exactly the question which I needed to have put to me. For, intellectually speaking, I had believed in Jesus all my life, on the other side of the door. I had regularly struggled to say my prayers through the key-hole. I had even pushed pennies under the door in a vain attempt to pacify him. I had been baptized, yes, and confirmed as well. I went to church, read my Bible, had high ideals, and tried to be good and to do good.
But all the time, often without realizing it, I was holding Christ at arm’s length, and keeping him outside. I knew that to open the door might have momentous consequences. I am profoundly grateful to him for enabling me to open the door. Looking back now over more than fifty years, I realize that that simple step has changed the entire direction, course and quality of my life.”
Discussion Questions:
- In what ways do we sometimes hold Christ “at arm’s length”?
- What are some of the ways you have heard Christ’s voice lately? What has he been saying?
- How is God calling you to more fully invite Jesus into your life? What would this look like for you?
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