Billy Graham

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Billy Graham Birthplace Marker, Charlotte, NC

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Bundesarchiv Bild 194-0798-29, Düsseldorf, Veranstaltung mit Billy Graham

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Countries that preacher Billy Graham visited for his crusades

Billy Graham

File:Billy Graham in het Feyenoord stadion.ogv Billy Graham (November 7, 1918 – February 21, 2018) was an influential American evangelist and an ordained Southern Baptist minister who became well known internationally from the late 1940s through the 2010s. Graham was one of the leading figures in the Christian evangelism movement and conducted large-scale public preaching missions, known as Crusades, in more than 185 countries and territories on six continents. Graham also played a significant role in the Christian revival movement and was a prominent voice in the ecumenical movement, working towards greater unity among different Christian denominations.

Early Life

Billy Graham was born on November 7, 1918, near Charlotte, North Carolina, into a devout Christian family. His spiritual awakening began at the age of 16 after attending a series of revival meetings led by evangelist Mordecai Ham. This experience led Graham to commit his life to Christ and subsequently to pursue a career in ministry. He attended Bob Jones University, and later transferred to the Florida Bible Institute (now known as Trinity College of Florida). Graham was ordained in 1939 by a Southern Baptist Convention church in Florida.

Ministry

Graham's early ministry involved serving as a pastor and holding revival meetings. In 1947, he became President of Northwestern Bible College in Minnesota, a position he held until 1952. Graham's ministry took on a new dimension when he started holding large-scale public Crusades in 1947, beginning in Grand Rapids, Michigan. These events, which were often held in large stadiums and arenas, attracted thousands of attendees and were characterized by Graham's powerful preaching, heartfelt invitations to accept Christ, and the innovative use of television and radio broadcasts.

Graham founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) in 1950, which served as the organizational platform for his crusades and other evangelical activities. The BGEA also launched Decision Magazine, a Christian publication, and produced the Hour of Decision radio program, further extending Graham's reach.

Impact and Legacy

Billy Graham's impact on global Christianity and American religious life is profound. He advised multiple U.S. presidents and was a key figure in the religious aspect of the civil rights movement, insisting on racially integrated seating at his crusades. Graham's approach to evangelism, which emphasized the love and grace of God rather than fire-and-brimstone preaching, helped shape modern evangelical Christianity.

Graham authored numerous books, including Just As I Am, his autobiography, which provides insight into his life, ministry, and personal reflections on his journey of faith. His legacy is also carried on through his children, several of whom have become influential Christian leaders and evangelists in their own right.

Death

Billy Graham passed away on February 21, 2018, at his home in Montreat, North Carolina, at the age of 99. His death marked the end of an era in American religious history, but his influence continues through the ongoing work of the BGEA and the many lives he touched through his ministry.

See Also

• Evangelicalism
• Crusade
• Christian revival
• Southern Baptist Convention