A Tribute to Dr. David Stoop by Stephen Arterburn

Categories: AACC BLOG

In Memory of Dr. David Stoop. 1937-2021.

On March 10, 2021, psychologist Dr. David Stoop, clinical psychologist, best-selling author, Christian recovery pioneer, died in Newport Beach, California, while trying to recover from a stroke experienced five months earlier. He was 83 years old. He was married to Dr. Jan Stoop, for 63 years.

Dr. Stoop was a pioneer in Christian recovery, an early champion of Christian counseling, a hero to those who followed his advice and teaching, and a great man who helped millions through his practice as a Christian Therapist, international lecturer and preacher, best-selling author and Bible editor, and a greatly admired radio counselor. His books and Bibles sold millions; and millions listened to his wise advice on the NewLife “Live” radio broadcast. Dr. Stoop was a strong believer in Jesus and was one of the first to effectively integrate Christian faith and counseling when he became a clinical psychologist in 1982.

“When I see lives miraculously changed I feel blessed and incredibly thankful and celebrate God’s provision for he is my source.” Dr. David Stoop

Dr. Stoop was also an ordained minister. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of California and a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena California. He became an adjunct professor at Fuller Seminary where he taught courses associated with family therapy. Dave never wavered from his strong Christian principles and faith, lived out with compassion and grace. He was also the founder of The Center For Family Therapy in Newport Beach.

“What I loved about Dave was his consistency of faith over many decades and also his ability to relate the stories of Scripture to help our growth.” Dr. Henry Cloud

Over the years Dave served in many roles including: Senior Consultant of Global Executive Resources, Clinical Director of Minirth-Meier NewLife Clinic West, and the Program Coordinator of The Christian Psychiatric Program for CarePsycenter located at Western Medical Center in Anaheim.

Dr. Stoop authored and coauthored over 40 books, many were best sellers. Self-Talk was frequently seen in airports and book stores all over the world. Perhaps his most life changing work was Forgiving The Unforgivable. His other publications include: You Are What You Think, Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life, Forgiving Our Parents Forgiving Ourselves, Making Peace With Your Father, The People of the Bible Uncensored, When Someone You Love Is Someone You Hate, The Seven Keys To Spiritual Renewal, Transformation, The Angry Man and Take Your Life Back.

“Dave was a creative and gifted author, a man of incredible wisdom and steadfast devotion. His approach was one of patience, persistence, and purpose. A great man-of quiet strength.” Blaine Smith, Bible Publisher, Tyndale House Publishers

Dave also coauthored several books with his wife, Jan, such as The Emotionally Healthy Marriage, Smart Love, The Complete Parenting Book and The Complete Marriage Book.

His next book, The Soul of a Hero, co-authored with Stephen Arterburn will be released in June of 2021. His final book, Living Strong, Finishing Well is set to be released in September of 2021 and accurately reflects the life of Dr. Stoop to the very end of his life.

“Dave was a true mentor in my life. I loved jumping into his MG and just having some ‘Dave’ time. He and Jan have been models of true authenticity and a healthy spirituality.” Jim Burns

Working with Stephen Arterburn, Dave co-edited the 1999 ECPA Gold Medallion Bible of the Year: The Spiritual Renewal Bible. He also was co-editor of The Life Recovery Bible which has sold over 3,000,000 copies and is the Bible Prison Fellowship gives away. For Tyndale House Publishers it is one of their all-time bestselling products 2nd only to The Life Application Bible. He also created My Spiritual Journey New Testament.

“Dave Stoop deserves all of the credit for creating The Life Recovery Bible. His wisdom and insight turned a Bible into a transformational movement.” Stephen Arterburn

Over the past several years Dr. Stoop served on the advisory board of the American Association of Christian Counselors where he established The Life Recovery Institute. He was also on the Board of Directors of NewLife Ministries where he conducted numerous workshops and intensives alongside his radio duties. Dave also was one of the co-founders of the newly formed International Christian Coaching Institute.

“Dave changed the world in using his capacities to love, to think and to heal.” Dr. John Townsend

Dr. David Stoop is survived by his wife Dr. Jan Stoop, their three sons, Eric, Mike and Greg, daughter in law Terri, grandchildren David, Jonathan, Robyn, Lucy, Michelle and her husband Joel, Colleen and her husband Johnny, and one great grandchild Arrow.

A private graveside service will be held in Newport Beach, California and a public memorial service will be held in May when churches are opened up again, in lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial gifts be given to NewLife Ministries at newlife.com or 800 NEWLIFE. Notes of remembrance can be left at drstoop.com.

“He has been a spiritual father to me, so wise and strong, yet gentle and kind.” “What a great teacher, leader, and empathetic man! He was a true role model for men and all counselors,” “He had a heart for God and a heart that mended hearts.” “I would simply hear his voice and I felt, ‘all will be well’. Thank you Jan for sharing him with us.” “He had a gentle, soft spoken and caring voice that just seemed to draw you in. The world is a better place because of all he did to help others.” “He taught me how to be a better man.” Listeners to NewLife “Live”