Frequently asked questions about Langham

1. Where does the name Langham come from?
2. What do you mean by ‘the Majority World’?
3. Do you sell or distribute books?
4. How can I obtain one of John Stott’s books for myself?
5. How can I apply for a Langham Scholarship?
6. Can Langham Partnership provide financial support?
7. Can Langham Partnership tell me more about John Stott and his writing?
8. Does Langham Preaching only help with training in Majority World countries?
9. I live in the Majority World.  Is there a Langham Preaching movement in my country, and how can I be linked with it?
10. Where is your international headquarters?

Where does the name “Langham” come from?

For over half a century John Stott was associated with All Souls Church, Langham Place, London, first as rector and then, during his wider world ministry and in his retirement, as rector emeritus. When he formed a trust to fund doctoral scholarships in 1969, he named it the Langham Trust, and the name has stuck.

Originally no more than the name of a small street in London, Langham is now the brand name of a worldwide network of ministries working in partnership with churches, seminaries and leaders in the Majority World. Although All Souls Church, Langham Place, is Anglican, the Langham Partnership leadership is fully interdenominational and the Partnership serves a huge variety of Christian churches and groups around the world from a wide range of denominational backgrounds.

What do you mean by ‘the Majority World’?

The term Third World was originally coined to distinguish the nonaligned bloc of countries from the capitalist and communist First and Second Worlds during the Cold War era. Over time it came to mean the poorer countries of the world in general, and because of its unfortunate derogatory overtones, Langham decided not to use this term.

The term Developing World is commonly used to refer to countries that are progressing economically to a level comparable to wealthy Western nations. However, the term suggests that all nations should aim to be like the “developed” nations of the affluent West, based largely on narrowly economic criteria, so Langham has also decided not to use this term.

Some Christians, especially from the non-Western world, speak of the Two-Thirds World. However, this terminology is not widely familiar, especially outside evangelical circles.

The term Majority World refers broadly to Africa, Asia and Latin America (sometimes called “The Global South”), but would also include parts of the Caribbean, the Middle East, Central and Eastern Europe and the Pacific. It reminds us of the fact that the majority of the world’s population and approximately 75 percent of the world’s Christians live in those parts of the world. At the same time, these regions are generally economically poorer, and resources available to Christians in particular are scarce or nonexistent.

We recognize that there are huge variations even within what we call the Majority World, such that the need is far greater in some countries than in others. However, broadly speaking, Langham seeks to minister to Christians, churches, pastors and seminaries in those parts of the world where weak economies make it difficult or impossible for Christians to get access to good books or to pay for theological training.

Do you sell or distribute books?

Langham Literature works primarily with theological institutions and local ministry agents within the Majority World. However, Langham Literature is now developing ways to promote and sell books written by evangelical authors in the Majority World itself to people in Western countries. Our brothers and sisters in the Majority World have many insights to share which Western Christians have missed for too long, and Langham seeks to be a means to increase dialogue within the global Christian family. Find out more here.

How can I obtain one of John Stott’s books for myself?

Please see John Stott’s bibliography. The title of each book is linked to a website where the book can be purchased.

How can I apply for a Langham Scholarship?

The Langham Scholars programme provides financial help to PhD candidates from the Majority World, following a detailed application procedure and with clearly stated criteria for selection. The programme is profiled here.

Can Langham Partnership provide financial support?

We regret that the terms of our foundation and charitable objectives do not allow us to contribute money to any other area, whether in relation to buildings, specific events, evangelistic ministries, personal needs, or support for study (other than PhDs as described above).

Can Langham Partnership tell me more about John Stott and his writings?

Information about John Stott and is his writings can be found here.

Does Langham Preaching only help with training in Majority World countries?

Langham Preaching has always focused on the need to enhance the preaching culture of the Majority World. However, Langham now has a Preaching program in place for the Aborigines of Australia, and for Hispanic people groups in the USA.  Find out more here.

I live in the Majority World. Is there a Langham Preaching movement in my country, and how can I be linked with it?

Please send to us the following details: your country, the region of the country in which you live, your nearest main city, and whether you are a pastor or a lay preacher. Langham Preaching is always open to consider invitations from groups in countries where there is not yet a Preaching movement. You can contact Langham Preaching at: preaching@langham.org

Where is your international headquarters?

We do not have a single large international office, and this deliberate choice enables more of our income to be directed to the ministries of our three programs. Most of our staff, in many countries, work from their own homes. However, we do have a Langham service centre (in Lancaster Street, Carlisle, CA1 1TF, UK), as part of a large warehouse serving the distribution needs of Langham Literature, with offices for some staff who serve our international administration.