John Stott was the longtime Rector of All Souls in England. He was a celebrated author, theologian, and leader among evangelicals until his death in 2011. Towards the end of his life he put out this book,
The Living Church: Convictions of a Lifelong Pastor. Stott shares some of his convictions about the necessity of the church, and the future of the church in an uncertain world. Stott had a great love for the church, and that comes through in his writings. He had the privilege to serve at the same church for practically his whole life, the same one he grew up at as a child. His love for the church was not limited to All Souls, though, and God used him mightily through his pen and pulpit to guide others towards Him.
Below are a few quotes
All authentic mission is incarnational mission.
The church is not "over" the Holy Scriptures, but under them.
The Holy Spirit's presence is not measured by decibels.
No book is more scathing of empty religion than the Bible.
The church lies at the very center of the eternal purpose of God.
This book by Stott was a short read, but a great reminder of God's heart for the church. I encourage you to pick up and learn from it.
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