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Summary: What it takes to be a global preacher and writer
Review: This is the 2nd volume of the authorized biography of John Stott, Bible scholar, evangelical preacher and Anglican leader. The 1st volume, "John Stott: The Making of a Leader: A Biography: The Early Years (also by hymn writer and former Bishop of Thetford, Tim Dudley-Smith)", should be read first. In similar style, it has been thoroughly researched from John Stott's personal writings, correspondence and diaries and interviews with colleagues. As in the first volume, the writing is rich and detailed - peppered with references to John Stott's many worldwide friends, coworkers and acquaintances. Like the first book it does have a few repetitions and could be more concise. In this volume, John becomes "Uncle John" and as Rector Emeritus of All Souls Langham Place has the freedom to travel from the swamps of the Amazon, to the tundra of the Arctic - preaching and teaching, with ornithological expeditions in between. In the 1990s, he finally sees a Snowy Owl in the Arctic after 25 years of searching. His ornithological joy is reflected in his diary (journal) as he feels like Simeon and records "I felt I could now say my Nunc Dimittis. "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace... (Luke 2:29,30)." Who else could feel like Simeon on such a quest? The self-discipline continues as does his vigorous defense of the biblical message and packed travel schedules. Any preacher or Bible student, whether professional or amateur, who uses John Stott's commentaries and study materials will gain from reading about the preparation, planning and thought that goes into his books. Whether it be finding an author for a gospel commentary, or debating at Regent College in Vancouver, Tim Dudley-Smith delves into challenges and struggles behind John Stott's life of biblical exposition. The book starts in the 1960s and covers some of the more important evangelical conferences - Keele in 1967, Lausanne in 1974 and Manila in 1989 - at which John Stott drafted documents and resolutions that shaped evangelical thinking for decades to come. Quotations from John Stott's writings pepper the book and bring to light some of his inmost thoughts at these events. Besides exploring the professional side of John Stott's life, the biography notes many friendships - not least the avuncular relationships with his own sister's offspring. Insights illustrate the support given by his faithful secretary of 40 years - Frances Whitehead - and a study assistant (who does everything from shopping to research). Black and white photos cover John receiving honorary degrees to John with the birds. John's perseverance and persistence, noted throughout the book, is illustrated in his leisure life at his Welsh retreat - the Hookses. As he builds a compost heap from damp pond weed he humps 12 loads up stairs - all this in his late 70s - to the consternation of his much younger study assistant. A study assistant claims that he observed rigorous self-discipline, absolute humility and a prayerful spirit as three hallmarks of John Stott's life. This book will make you want to have these qualities too. In the end, Dudley-Smith concludes that John Stott is the 20th century counterpart to Charles Simeon, Holy Trinity, Cambridge's 19th century preacher - both expositing the Bible and both influencing global ministry. Stamina, scholarship and service to a needy church are recurring themes that make this an inspiring and challenging read.
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