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John Stott: a portrait by his friends
An art gallery of very personal portraits of John Stott by friends and colleagues from around the globe. Thirty-five of John's friends open their hearts and share memories of a unique man and a truly special friend. Many brush strokes, one portrait.
217 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2011
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About the author
Christopher J.H. Wright
102 books207 followersChristopher J.H. Wright, (born 1947) is a Anglican clergyman and an Old Testament scholar. He is currently the director of Langham Partnership International. He was the principal of All Nations Christian College. He is an honorary member of the All Souls Church, Langham Place in London, UK.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 7, 2017
"So much of his own preaching and writing was about the down-to-earth practice of radical Christian discipleship in the home, the workplace- everywhere in fact. "It's no use," he would say "just singing pretty songs: "Jesus I love you." They don't prove anything. It's only in daily life that you prove, through obedience, whether or not you love Jesus." "
A lovely way to hear about the great man, with a particularly moving epilogue by Christopher Wright, who extols us to follow Stott's example and be obsessed with the Cross of Christ, rather than our own reputation. Not a bad book to work through in bite-size chunks (perhaps in a quiet time), as each chapter is written by a different friend of John and is very manageable. From it, I have learned:
-that one person can have a massive influence, given the right conditions and a bit of work
-that impacting the world or a region is better than impacting only one locality
-that it’s good to listen hard, remember details and value people
-that preaching takes a lot of work but is utterly worth it!
-that it's good to be generous with your time
-that youth and student ministry can bear fruit for many, many years
-that it's right to be patient, as one can do more in a lifetime than you can in 3 yrs
The book does have limitations though. Because each chapter is written by someone different, there is a lot of repetition and not all of the contributors are the best writers. In order to get a fuller sense of his life, it would perhaps be worth reading one of the other biographies he has.
A lovely way to hear about the great man, with a particularly moving epilogue by Christopher Wright, who extols us to follow Stott's example and be obsessed with the Cross of Christ, rather than our own reputation. Not a bad book to work through in bite-size chunks (perhaps in a quiet time), as each chapter is written by a different friend of John and is very manageable. From it, I have learned:
-that one person can have a massive influence, given the right conditions and a bit of work
-that impacting the world or a region is better than impacting only one locality
-that it’s good to listen hard, remember details and value people
-that preaching takes a lot of work but is utterly worth it!
-that it's good to be generous with your time
-that youth and student ministry can bear fruit for many, many years
-that it's right to be patient, as one can do more in a lifetime than you can in 3 yrs
The book does have limitations though. Because each chapter is written by someone different, there is a lot of repetition and not all of the contributors are the best writers. In order to get a fuller sense of his life, it would perhaps be worth reading one of the other biographies he has.
November 15, 2025
I enjoyed this for maybe 80% of the book - several stories and events are mentioned by different people and feel repetitive…don’t get me wrong there is lots to learn and take in > John’s character, belief in the Bible’s authority and many more aspects of his life.
It does at times feel like an elderly person going on a bit too long at points though. The longer chapters ‘felt like hard work’. I also have zero interest in birdwatching, John’s main hobby/way to relax, and there’s a lot about it here.
I’d recommend it as I’m sure these are merely my issues and learning from a man who lived (not just preached) his faith and Christlikeness is inspiring and a challenge to anyone.
It does at times feel like an elderly person going on a bit too long at points though. The longer chapters ‘felt like hard work’. I also have zero interest in birdwatching, John’s main hobby/way to relax, and there’s a lot about it here.
I’d recommend it as I’m sure these are merely my issues and learning from a man who lived (not just preached) his faith and Christlikeness is inspiring and a challenge to anyone.
March 12, 2024
Fascinating series of brief reminiscences of John Stott by those who knew him. Easy to read & edifying.
April 5, 2020
I got this book cheap from a Christian book sale and have been very encouraged by it. John’s life was incredible in its humble service to his king. This book has inspired me to me more diligent in my communion with God, more thoughtful about my actions and words, and more committed to loving people as I imitate Christ. I’m glad I spent the time to read this book!
The format - 30 odd friends writing a reflection - made this book a bit repetitive at times. That’s probably my only criticism. But in some ways this was good because it reinforced what others saw in John’s life.
The format - 30 odd friends writing a reflection - made this book a bit repetitive at times. That’s probably my only criticism. But in some ways this was good because it reinforced what others saw in John’s life.
May 3, 2011
For fans of John, this only seals the deal. Charming, funny, incredibly moving stories (by his closest of friends) of one man who, above all else, is living a truly Christian life. I've never met Uncle John, and yet whenever I might empty someone's trash can, or stop alongside a road to pick up trash, or take time to visit the local osprey's nest, or open the good book to the Sermon on the Mount, I will think of him....
October 22, 2012
As someone who enjoys John Stott the writer, it was an eye opener to see John Stott the man. Deeply challenged and stirred by this look at such a godly and gracious servant of God. It gives pastors hope that its more than possible to finish well!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews