A farewell book from one of the giants of our generation. John Stott outlines eight key aspects of discipleship with piercing clarity. Especially moving and profound are his final chapters on dependence and death.
Amy Boucher Pye, editor and columnist
Like a favourite great-uncle’s legacy, this little collection of farewell messages from a great man of God and radical disciple of Jesus bequeaths to us some precious treasures – warm appeals to distinctive Christlike maturity, challenging contemporary calls to ecological concern, simplicity and balance, priceless wisdom from an elderly saint about dependence and dying – and all delivered with his customary economy, clarity and faithfulness to Scripture. Such mature reflections are surely priceless.
Richard Coekin, Senior Pastor of the Co-Mission Initiative, SW London
I have always felt a little sad at the thought that when Uncle John eventually goes, he will take so much with him: the gathered experience of a life truly well lived, as well as the intellectual capital he has banked for the sake of the kingdom of God. How could he ever possibly distil the essence of this lifetime’s worth of wisdom, so that we may continue to draw inspiration and learn from this great teacher?
But he has achieved the seemingly impossible: he has captured the essence of what it means, to him, to be a radical disciple, and written this for us with a light touch; with a sense that THIS is the heart, that it doesn’t have to be made perplexingly complex, or intimidating in an intellectual way; that having understood profoundly, the joy of his life’s work is to communicate simply.
And that simple communication is manifested most clearly and effectively in the idea of the radical, and simple, life. I have not read a better or more compelling short section on how to live.
Here we have a snapshot of what Uncle John believes is the gold; and I, for one, will enter the next phase of my own discipleship much richer as a result. I believe it’s not only a great achievement to write so succinctly, given the sheer breadth and depth of his life’s work – it is also a vivid demonstration of the simple tension at the heart of the gospel: that we are challenged to carry the cross daily, and walk the narrow path, and yet simultaneously we are promised that the yoke of Christ is easy, and the burden is light.
I’ve always wanted to enter more fully into what Eugene Peterson calls ‘the unforced rhythms of grace’ (Matthew 11). This is the book I will turn to, repeatedly, for help.
Brian Draper is associate lecturer in culture at the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, author of Spiritual Intelligence, and runs a small enterprise called Echosounder, nurturing spiritual intelligence in leaders.
For forty years John Stott has been teaching me what it means to be a follower of Christ by carefully studying the Scriptures and applying them to the various issues I face, and often to issues I should face and don’t. He does just that in this his last book. This book shows that at the age of eighty-eight my mentor still has the passion for truth and devotion to Christ that he had when I encountered him all those years ago. What a wonderful way to say, ‘Farewell’ to his readers. I especially recommend this book to young believers who wonder whether it is possible to live the Christian life with integrity, especially if one is famous. John Stott’s greatest impact on me has been the way his life has modelled Christian character. I think this combination of integrity in life and teaching is what has made him one of the most influential individuals in recent history. Read this book, not only to be instructed by penetrative biblical wisdom on what discipleship means in today’s world, but also in order to be inspired by the life and teaching of one who is finishing well.
Ajith Fernando, National Director, Youth for Christ, Sri Lanka
Who better than John Stott, with his life-long commitment to living as a follower of Jesus, to issue this timely call to take Jesus’ teaching seriously? The world desperately needs to see that there are other ways to live, and all too often Christians tend to con- form to the patterns of society rather than demonstrating the distinctiveness that Jesus asks of us. If heeded, this call could revitalize the witness of the church.
John Grayston, Director of Theology, Scripture Union
For over sixty years John Stott’s penetrating and profoundly biblical insights have thrown light on many of the challenging issues that have faced the global church. This book brings all those years of experience, reflection and study to bear on a series of questions that he believes we are neglecting. That alone should cause us to listen with particular care even if he didn’t tell us that this is to be his final published message. Furthermore, these pages give us a rare and personal glimpse of the sacrificial discipleship that has marked his life so deeply – that is one more reason for us to learn what we can from a truly exceptional leader.
Peter Harris, founder of A Rocha
We enthusiastically recommend this unique book, filled with fascinating recollections amassed over a lifetime of wisdom, combined with insightful scholarship and a deep love for the body of Christ across the world.
Frog and Amy Orr-Ewing, speakers and authors
The Radical Disciple is a beautifully straightforward clarion call to re-establish the truly converted life within a contemporary Christian sub-culture diluted by the self-centredness of the age. This is John Stott at his thoughtful, reflective best. His thinking is succinct, incisive and truly describes how authentic followers of Jesus live. Jesus doesn’t simply tweak our lives, but rebuilds them from the foundations up. We have neglected the challenge of that radical, converting work. Here is a book that inspires us to embrace deep conversion. Read this and discover what a wholehearted follower of Jesus is like.
Dominic Smart, minister, Gilcomston South Church of Scotland, Aberdeen
This book is faithfully biblical, deeply engaging, firmly challenging and profoundly moving – a characteristically masterful survey of a subject we all too easily neglect. I can think of no better teacher on this theme than John Stott, whose lifetime of personal commitment to radical discipleship shines out from every page.
