Steve Arterburn, co-editor of the Life Recovery Bible pays tribute his friend and Bible co-editor, Dr. David Stoop, who passed away in March 2021.
On March 10, 2021, Dr. David Stoop died after suffering a second stroke. He was 83 years old and had been married to Dr. Jan Stoop for 63 years.
In addition to being a clinical psychologist, Dave was an early champion for Christian counseling and a pioneer in Christian recovery.
He was also a bestselling Tyndale author and Bible editor. From the Tyndale Bible division, Blaine Smith said of him, “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.”
Dave’s editorial work on The Spiritual Renewal Bible was responsible for that Tyndale publication receiving the ECPA Gold Medallion Christian Book Award for Bible of the Year. Dave also edited the Life Recovery Bible for Tyndale, which has sold over 3,000,000 copies. The Life Recovery brand is second only to Tyndale’s Life Application brand and is one of the ten bestselling Bibles on the market every year.
Dave Stoop was also a valuable part of the New Life Live! radio broadcast. His writing, speaking, and hosting of New Life Live! has impacted many lives. In his words: “When I see lives miraculously changed, I feel blessed and incredibly thankful and celebrate God’s provision, for he is my source.”
Dave was a strong believer in Jesus, and when he became a clinical psychologist in 1982, he was one of the first people ever to effectively integrate Christian faith and counseling. He was one of the most respected Christian psychologists in the field. Dr. Henry Cloud said, “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.”
To some, he was the father they never had. To others, he was a brother. To me, he was my writing partner and best friend for over 40 years. Dave was the most consistent and solid man of integrity and character I have known. He frequently spoke of how honored he was to publish books and Bibles with Tyndale. He was a gift to my life and the lives of many others. He will be greatly missed.
