In Memoriam Uncle John Stott – called home yesterday

Yesterday at 3.15, Uncle John died peacefully at his retirement home. We mourn his loss and rejoice with him.

It is very poignant to be writing this today, as we’re all at the Hookses, Uncle John’s retreat in Wales (see yesterday’s post). The place is full of memories of him – he restored it, oversaw its extension, wrote many of his wonderful books here and above all loved it. And so the news of his death is bitter-sweet.

But there is so much to give thanks for, so thank God we must.

 

John R. W. Stott
27 April 1921 – 27 July 2011

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

It is bitter news because of course we have lost one of the 20th Century Church’s greats. A man of great conviction and ministerial gifting, intellectual clarity and personal integrity, and profound compassion and humility. It is a rare combination indeed. But his legacy lives on in his 51 books, preaching and disciples around the world, quite apart from the Langham Partnership. I for one benefitted hugely for shaping my own ministry and priorities. I count it as one of the great privileges of my life to have known and been ministered to by him.

But it is surely also sweet news. His prayer in recent months has been to ‘die well’. He has certainly done that. Yesterday morning listened to Handel’s Messiah and a reading of 2 Timothy (how appropriate – his Bible Speaks Today on 2 Timothy is one of his best, but also a great last well and testament from the apostle he studied so much). And he died peacefully, to enjoy the wonders of heaven in the presence of the Lord he served. And in that hope we rejoice, and for his life we thank God.

For more:

• Check out the new memorial website dedicated to his life and work
• The work he leaves as his key legacy: The Langham Partnership
• The life of the church he served throughout his life: All Souls Langham Place

• Finally, a few of my own thoughts on his 86th birthday, reposted on his 90th

The four rectors of All Souls since 1950: John Stott, Michael Baughen, Richard Bewes, Hugh Palmer