John Stott’s legacy and prayers for the church

By Kevin Vandenbrink

July 27th marks the 13^th anniversary of the passing of Langham’s founder, John Stott. As we remember his life, we give thanks to the Lord for the way Stott impacted the growth and health of the global church.

When I visit with Langham friends like you, I hear stories about how John Stott’s writing, teaching and life have made a deep and lasting impact. As you know, millions of people have been challenged as they read one of his more than 50 books, heard him speak at a conference, church or seminary, or even visited him at All Souls Church in London.

Lately I have been thinking about two ways John Stott continues to impact my life and the church around the world:

• First, I have been encouraged by prayers John Stott wrote, which have been a guide for my own prayers.
• Second, I have been challenged as I remember how John Stott’s stewardship decision continues to impact the growth of the church. 

The prayers of John Stott

In 2020, Langham friend Mark Meynell published a book called Pages from a Preacher’s Notebook: Wisdom and Prayers from the Pen of John Stott. Mark literally went through John Stott’s folders, desk drawers and journals to compile this treasure. This book is more than an anthology of notes, quotes and illustrations. It also includes prayers he wrote out covering a range of topics and occasions. I share two here in the hopes that you will be encouraged as I have been encouraged. One focuses on our resurrection hope and another on the mission of the worldwide church:

The gift of John Stott that keeps on giving

You likely know that John Stott gave much of his life to walking with, learning from and serving alongside the global church. This passion for the growth and health of the Majority World church birthed the ministries of Langham Partnership.

Read more: How to align your values with your generosity

What you may not know is that John Stott made a decision early in his ministry to donate all the royalties from his books to equip Majority World leaders through Langham Partnership. Over the decades, this decision has resulted in millions of dollars for the global church. It continues to provide generously, even in these years following his passing in 2011!

As someone who has a heart for the Lord’s work around the world, would you prayerfully consider joining John Stott and others by including Langham in your will or trust? Many who have made this decision find great joy in knowing the impact they will make for decades to come. In fact, for most legacy donors, this is by far the largest gift they will ever be able to make to Langham Partnership and the church around the world!

“We are happy to make a legacy gift to Langham Partnership because it is such a
strategic ministry.  Through Langham the Lord is training and educating pastors who are investing in others for their maturity.”

Anonymous Legacy Giving Donor

We’re here to help

We are privileged to help people think through their plans in a way that is personal, pastoral and practical. We have also partnered with a network of Christian charitable planners. At no cost or obligation, a planner will answer your questions with clarity, integrity and the utmost confidentiality. To learn more, reach out to Kevin VandenBrink at kevin.vandenbrink@langham.org or 314-488-0256.

We’d like to thank you

If you have already included Langham in your legacy planning, would you share your decision with us? We would love the opportunity to welcome you as a member of our Cross of Christ Legacy Fellowship. Contact Kevin anytime using the contact info above.