Product Description

So who is this man, named by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the 100 most influential people in the world?

His life could have been so different. Born to privilege, John Stott focused instead on service to God and other people. 'I am going to throw myself body and soul into the struggle for right,' he wrote to his father as a twenty-year-old. 'My desire is to see the world a better place, and I will not spare myself'

He didn't...

He became Rector of All Souls Church, Langham Place, London in 1950 at the age of twenty-nine, and Chaplain to the Queen in 1959. He chaired the National Evangelical Anglican Congress in 1967 and 1977, shaped the Lausanne Covenant, pioneered the London Lectures, and founded both Langham Partnership International and London Institute for Contemporary Christianity. He became known internationally for his writing and preaching, and bird-watching. He led fifty university missions worldwide.

Discover John Stott, the man behind the man, as observed by his friends, former colleagues and biographer.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #99508 in Books
• Published on: 2009-09-18
• Binding: Hardcover
• 256 pages

From the Publisher
A fast-moving narrative spanning nearly nine decades and five continents, focusing on a truly unique life and legacy. 'Inside Story' allows the reader to meet the man behind the man.

About the Author
Roger Steer is author of the classic biographies of George M�ller and Hudson Taylor. He lives in a 400-year-old cottage in Devon with his wife Sheila.

Customer Reviews

Steer on Stott
In reading this biography of John Stott the reader will find that the title of the book is eminently appropriate. One does feel like an insider who has been given access to the secrets of an amazing life. Summing up the life of John Stott is a formidable task, but one that Roger Steer has accomplished with both insight and clarity. The book is a real treat for those that may be put off by more lengthy biographies. Like many others, I had been aware of John Stott and his ministry for many years, mostly through his books and the commentary series he has edited. But in this literary tardis of a book-relatively slender on the outside, but filled with so much useful information and insights-one feels almost like they have met John Stott in person. Such is the vividness of the writing. The chapters are short enough to avoid getting bogged down and the timeline at the beginning of the book makes a very useful overview. For those looking to be inspired, there is plenty here to inspire. There are answers to many of the kinds of questions that people would like to ask such as, "What makes John Stott special?" and "Why has he been so exceptionally used by God in so many places around the world?" Here we are presented with a man who was chaplain to the Queen, a close friend of Billy Graham and Dr Martin Lloyd-Jones, a favourite speaker at universities and conventions and one of the most widely known Anglican preachers of his day. And yet, with all of this notoriety, Dr Stott has remained a humble man whose concern for the poor and disadvantaged across the world has never been in doubt. The book is probably best read initially over a long weekend, when the reader has an extended opportunity to be immersed in the life of this extraordinary man of God. This reviewer found it to be one of the best biographies he has read in a number of years. It's a must read for 2010 and beyond.

Biography of the year
Roger Steer has produced a gripping and very readable biography of one of the great spiritual leaders of our time. John Stott's contribution to evangelical Christianity, and immense gifts as a preacher and teacher, are well-documented in a way that appeals to the layman as well as clerics and academics. Particularly appealing is his depiction of this brilliant academic and theologian as someone who treated everyone the same, and was loved and admired by those who met him, as well as those who worked with him - all well-documented with thoughtful and amusing reminiscences from many of them. His human failings are noted too, honestly and fairly. Most importantly, Roger Steer is true to the character of John Stott, letting us see beyond the man himself to the Christ whose gospel inspired, and continues to inspire him to live the Gospel as well as preach and teach it. This is a must-read for all thinking Christians

Not quite there
I was delighted to recieve this biography as a Christmas gift as I knew virtually nothing about John Stott. I do not move in anglican circles so this was an excellent opportunity for me to find out something of Mr John Stott. Having completed reading I now know for sure what I had suspected that John is indeed a solid evangelical and a huge asset to the Kingdom of God. Christendom would be better placed with more in the mold of John Stott. The book also revealed other things about Mr Stott, The Langham Trust I was aware of but did not know the connection with John Stott. I was not aware that John was president of TearFund for 14 years and that he was instrumental in setting up the excellent London institute for contemporary Christianity, nor was I aware of his long time friendship with Billy Graham and other notable evangelicals. There is an excellent chapter were Malcolm Muggeridge gives a series of lectures at Mr Stott's invitation. The author has wisely quoted Muggeridge rather than paraphrase and the dialogue is riveting. This has spurred me on to read more of Muggeridge. These are all the positives and indeed I do feel I know a little bit more about Mr Stott, but unfortunately this biography does not tell us enough, its not quite there. There is little, indeed virtually nothing of the inner man, the real man behind the cloaks and robes of office. I am not looking for scandal or gossip, heaven forbid. No-one is built up in their faith due to scandal or gossip but some of the human element is missing and thats a real shame. Perhaps, its just a sympton of the 'anglican' reserve but this is a biography lacking. This book reads more like a career in the church than a personal biography. Far too often we read about CEEC, SEAC, PCC, CICCU, EFAC etc. Too much is made of church governance in its various committees, councils, conferences and congress and little about the man himself. For me the author has missed an opportunity. I suppose the real test comes if I could recommend it? Perhaps the reserved style would suit evangelical anglicans.
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