John Stott, a preacher in the Angelican Church of England, died in the summer of 2011. The man was a prolific writer and theologian, a wonderful pastor, and a world-traveling evangelist.
John R W Stott had a heart for students, and spent much of his time sharing the Gospel with student groups. Perhaps his heart for this population was a result of his salvation and discipleship through a student group.
John Stott was raised in the church, yet did not know Christ. In fact, he would attend Sunday School with daggers in his socks and a revolver in his belt. This appears to have been mischevious, or boyish, behavior, rather than the result of a malicious heart. In fact, Stott was gentle and loved nature; he collected butterflies in his childhood, and moved to bird-watching in his youth and adulthood.
John Stott Biography for Your Kids
John Stott: The Humble Leader by Julia Cameron is a worthy inclusion in Christian Focus Publication’s Trailblazers line of Christian biographies.
The boys and I frequently read biographies from the Trailblazers line, which are recommended for ages 9-14 (read-aloud for ages 7-9). We find they are excellent additions to our studies, and help broaden our understanding of particular times in history, central Christian figures, and the manner in which biblical Christianity plays out in the lives of individuals. I often schedule the stories to go along with our history studies.
My boys were struck by the godly life John Stott led.
Stott was so dedicated to his role as a Christian leader, that he remained celibate his entire life. I found the boys leaning forward during the descriptions of Stott’s interactions with students. They especially loved hearing about a university debate between Stott and the leader of the atheist group on campus. Shortly after the debate, the group disbanded. The boys loved that!
John Stott: The Humble Leader differs a little from many of the Trailblazers books we’ve read; his later life is covered topically, rather than linearly. Julia Cameron addresses different aspects of Stott’s life in separate chapters. For instance, in one, she addresses John’s interaction and impact on the worldwide church. In another, she takes on John Stott’s character.
In this sense, John Stott: The Humble Leader is much more like a scholarly biography (and less story-like) than we were accustomed to reading from the Trailblazers line. I don’t see any problem with this approach, however I think that this particular Trailblazers book may be better suited to a slightly older audience. The younger crowd (ages 7-9) may prefer a more story-like approach.
When we read John Stott: The Humble Leader, my boys were 8- and 9-years-old. Their take-away from the book was an increased knowledge of who John Stott was, and a respect for his godly character.
I have no doubt that God will use this example of biblical living in their lives.
Purchase John Stott: The Humble Leader
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More Christian Focus Trail Blazers Books for Your Kids
Our family loves the Christian Focus Trail Blazers books. They’re perfect for ages 7-14. We read them as we studied history! Check them out.
Eric Liddell: Finish the Race
John Chrysostom: The Preacher in the Emperor’s CourtSamuel Rutherford: The Law, the Prince and the ScribeFrancis & Edith Schaeffer: Taking on the WorldTitanic: The Ship of DreamsWilliam Tyndale: The Smuggler’s FlameWilfred Grenfell: Courageous DoctorDietrich Bonhoeffer: A Spoke in the WheelElisabeth Elliot: Do the Next ThingBetty Greene: Courage Has WingsUlrich Zwingli: Shepherd WarriorLilias Trotter: Daring in the DesertIsobel Kuhn: Lights in LisulandJim Elliot: He Is No FoolGeorge Müller: The Children’s ChampionAdoniram Judson: Danger on the Streets of GoldPatricia St. John: The Story Behind the StoriesHelen Roseveare: On His Majesty’s ServiceJohn Newton: A Slave Set FreeJohn Calvin: After Darkness LightJohn Knox: The Sharpened SwordBilly Graham: Just get up out of your SeatRichard Wurmbrand: A Voice in the DarkMary Slessor: Servant to the SlaveJoni Eareckson Tada: Swimming Against the TideHudson Taylor: An Adventure BeginsAugustine: The Truth SeekerPatrick of Ireland: The Boy Who ForgaveBrother Andrew: Behind Enemy LinesLottie Moon: Changing China for ChristD L Moody: One Devoted ManNate Saint: Operation AucaJohn Welch: The Man Who Couldn’t Be StoppedMichael Faraday: Spiritual DynamoWilliam Wilberforce: The Freedom FighterC. S. Lewis: The Story Teller: Trailblazers SeriesJonathan Edwards: America’s GeniusCharles Spurgeon: Prince of PreachersGeorge Müller: The Children’s ChampionGeorge Whitefield: Voice That Woke the WorldAmy Carmichael: Rescuer By NightMary of Orange: At the Mercy of KingsMartyn Lloyd-Jones: From Wales to WestminsterHannah More: The Woman Who Wouldn’t Stop WritingFanny Crosby: The Blind Girl’s SongPaul Brand: The Shoes That Love MadeFrances Ridley Havergal: The Girl Who Loved MountainsCorrie Ten Boom: The Watchmaker’s DaughterGladys Aylward: No Mountain Too HighJohn Bunyan: Journey of a PilgrimDavid Brainerd: A Love for the LostJohn G. Paton: South Sea Island RescueBilly Bray: Saved From the Deepest PitJohn Stott: The Humble LeaderBill Bright: Dare to be DifferentCharles Simeon: For Christ in Cambridge (Trail Blazers)William Carey: Expecting Great Things (Trail Blazers)Jack Turner: Truth in the Arctic (Trail Blazers)Elaine Townsend: At Home Around the World (Trail Blazers)Thomas Clarkson: The Giant With One Idea (Trailblazers)John and Betty Stam: To Die is Gain (Trail Blazers)Maud Kells: Fearless in the Forest (Trail Blazers)Jim Elliot: He Is No Fool (Trail Blazers)Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love (Trailblazers)Polycarp: Faithful unto Death (Trail Blazers)Thomas Cranmer: The King’s Ambassador (Trailblazers)Olaudah Equiano: A Man of Many Names (Trail Blazers)
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Bible Resources for Your Kids
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Christian Biographies for Kids | Christian History for Kids | Theology for Kids
Christian History Matters for Our Kids.
History matters. Now, more than ever, we see how important it is for our children to know and understand history and the Bible.
Here’s why:
- God is the sovereign ruler of all things. It’s important for our kids to see his hand in the history of nations and in the lives of both peasants and kings.
- Christian history is the story of our family history. Our kids get to see how people who love Jesus follow him.
- Understanding history can help our kids learn historic and biblical theology. They learn what the Bible says and what that means for us. They also see when the study of Scripture has taken important turns that have changed the Church.
- Reading Christian biographies and history can be a wonderful way for kids to think outside their own time and culture. God’s Church spans centuries and includes people from every nation.
- Christian biographies help kids consider their own faith, walk with Jesus, and the impact their witness may one day have on others–and on history.
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