Langham Partnership History
Langham Partnership began in 1969, led by John Stott and named for Stott’s home church in London where he once pastored. Since then, we have worked to raise awareness about the needs of the global church and equip Christian leaders around the world with the tools they need to share the Gospel.
Langham’s Impact
Langham has:
Supported the PhD studies of more than 320 Langham Scholars in theological doctoral programs who are currently serving the church in 90+ countries around the world.
- Equipped more than 46,800 pastors and lay leaders to teach God’s Word, through 2,800+ preacher training seminars and 1,100+ preaching groups in 89 countries.
- Distributed more than 2 million biblical books to Majority World colleges, churches, pastors, and publishers in 137 countries, published over 400 books by authors or contributors from more than 90 Majority World countries, and supported 51 indigenous publishers to write and publish 681 local language titles.
About Our Founder, John Stott (1921-2011)
John Stott (1921-2011) understood that Christians must be transformed by the Gospel in order for the Gospel to transform the world — modeling love, compassion, forgiveness and justice for the poor and oppressed. And for Christians to grow in maturity, they need leaders who believe, teach and live by God's Word — particularly in the global church where church leaders lacked formal training. That’s why John Stott founded Langham Partnership in 1969, donating all royalties from his books to support the training of pastors in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Timeline
1969
The Beginning
Langham Trust is founded by John Stott, given its name from Langham Place at All Souls Church in London, where Stott pastored his adult life.
1974-1979
A Movement Forms
Langham spreads to the United States (1974), Canada (1979) and Australia (1979), all catching the vision to raise awareness of the needs of the global church.
1996
A Name Change
The name in the U.S. was changed to John Stott Ministries. John Stott, in his wry British humor, would often refer to John Stott Ministries as the “ministry that resembles my name.”
2001
FACT “Reunion”
John Stott Ministries merged with the Foundation for Advanced Christian Training (FACT). Both of these organizations could trace their roots back to John Stott, so it was, as John said at the time, “more of a reunion than a merger.”
2002
New Ministries & Partners
The third arm of Langham’s approach to equipping the global church, Langham Preaching, was launched, with the recognition there were millions of pastors serving around the world with no training on how to teach the Bible. In addition, Hong Kong joins the Langham Partnership family.
2003
Global Partnership
The five national organizations, comprised of UK & Ireland, U.S., Canada, Australia and Hong Kong, sign a protocol to define their common purpose and convictions, and commit the partnership to work together in delivering Langham's worldwide ministry.
2007
Langham New Zealand
New Zealand joins the Langham Partnership family through collaboration with Leadership Development International. The combined organization is known as LeaDev-Langham.
2011
John Stott Passing
On July 27, 2011, John Stott went to be with the Lord, leaving behind a legacy that is still multiplying today around the world. One of the most influential leaders of the Christian church in the 20th Century, Stott was a man filled with grace and humility, seeking above all, to know Christ and Him crucified. Read more about John Stott.
2012
Return to Roots
Honoring the wishes expressed by John Stott prior to his death, John Stott Ministries Board of Directors unanimously approved a name change to Langham Partnership. The name aligns the U.S. with the growing worldwide movement.
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