Blog

April 2021 marked one hundred years since the birth of John Stott. Uncle John, as I and many who knew him well always called him, was a towering figure in 20th century Christianity, who led All Souls Church in central London for decades, wrote dozens of influential books, and was a leader of the global evangelical movement. He was also a dear friend of mine and a mentor, dating back to the 1970s when I first arrived at All Souls as a medical student.

I was honoured to be asked by All Souls to preach a Sunday sermon as part of the centenary celebrations of Uncle John. This was the third of four sermons exploring the great Biblical themes which energised and motivated John Stott’s teaching ministry. In it I look at equipping the people of God – and in particular lay people like me – for ministry.

First, I am interviewed by Rico Tice from All Souls about my long friendship with John Stott (beginning at 15:06 in the video), and then my sermon begins at 24:31.

Other resources from the John Stott centenary

Talk and discussion: Quick to listen – lessons from John Stott on grace under fire
‘Uncle John’ was a brilliant witness of how to live graciously and incarnationally

Interview: The life and legacy of John Stott
Remembering my friend and mentor, and how his wisdom has shaped my life

Podcast: John Stott
Double listening, salt as preservative, incarnational mission, and the challenge of evangelical hagiography