John Stott’s Vision Continues Through You

As we remember John Stott’s generous life and mark his passing, what can we learn from his example? Here are four ways “Uncle John” shows us how to live generously and finish well:

Biblically Informed – John Stott was passionate about training leaders for the church around the world because he believed God’s plan was that believers would grow to maturity through the teaching and preaching of His Word.  Stott’s giving was an expression of priorities informed by God’s Word and the needs he observed in the church around the globe, especially in the hardest places.

Joyfully Generous – One of the main things “Uncle John” was known for was his warm smile and his kind demeanor.  His generosity was an expression of the joy he found in knowing that the Lord had been generous to him, and that, as Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”  In fact, in his short book, The Grace of Giving, John Stott reminds us that “Christian giving is an expression of the grace of God . . . Our gracious God is a generous God, and He is at work in His people to make them generous too.”

Beautifully Sacrificial – John Stott could have chosen to hold on to what he had earned, accumulating wealth and possessions and enjoying a more comfortable lifestyle.  Instead, he believed that the sacrifice that Christ, who “though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor,” is a model for our sacrificial generosity.  In his book, Decisive Issues Facing Christians Today, he reminds us of the beautiful way this generosity also moves us toward simplicity and leads to a life of even greater contentment.

Thoughtfully Planned – By giving 100% of his royalties, John Stott made a gift that was thoughtful and planned.  The giving was an intentional commitment and an expression of his values, identity, and purpose.  Because he made arrangements in his will, it was a gift that would support the mission of the church and Langham Partnership during his life, and would have an impact even after he went home to be with the Lord.  

As we remember John Stott’s life and his death, we have an opportunity to reflect on our own life.  What is the end for which we are aiming?  When we think of all that God has given to us, are we walking a path of biblically informed, joyfully generous, beautifully sacrificial, and thoughtfully planned generosity?  By God’s grace to us in Christ, we can grow as his children in all of these areas!

Learn how your legacy can have a global impact

In honor of “Uncle John” and to continue the work that he started around the world, we have formed The Cross of Christ Legacy Fellowship. This is a growing community of believers around the world who have chosen to include a legacy gift to Langham Partnership in their will or trust.   Would you be willing to consider joining John Stott, me, and dozens of others in making this type of gift?  If so, I would love to have a conversation with you about the different ways you can make a “future gift” to Langham Partnership and the global church.

If you have any questions or if you want to discuss the various gift options available to you, please contact me (legacy@langham.org or 314-488-0256).

Grateful for your generous heart,

Kevin VandenBrink
Legacy Giving Director
Langham Partnership USA

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