Liberty Theological Seminary: Billy Graham - Coursework Example

Liberty Theological Seminary Billy Graham A Paper Submitted to Dr. A.J. Smith In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements For the American Christianity CHHI 692 By Gary M. Good 10/12/07 Introduction: Billy Graham is a name that most people in the United States know well whether they are Christians or any other religion. He has made an impact on American life that few have done. He has counseled presidents and ordinary people and his influence has gone beyond denominational and political boundaries. Where other evangelists have attempted Graham has succeeded. He is genuine and his sincerity comes from his core. His ministry has been one of conviction and dedication. Recently his name has been in the news as he experienced the loss of his life partner, Ruth. It is hard for some to imagine that this great teacher is aging and will eventually join his wife in heaven. Biography: On January 22 of 1920 Herbert Randolph, the census taker for Mecklenburg County, North Carolina visited house number 159 on Park Road in Sharon Township1. He sat with the W.F. Graham family and asked all the questions he needed answers to. “Frank” Graham and his wife Morrow told how they were from an old Confederate Carolina family. They were a young couple with a young son named “Billy Frank”2. The blue-eyed blond haired baby Billy Frank was added to the count of Mecklenburg County. When Mr. Randolph had all the information he needed he bid this family goodbye and walked to the next farm over to meet with the Clyde M. Graham family (W.F. Graham’s Brother) at 160 Park Road. William Franklin Graham and his wife Morrow had their first born son while living on a farm in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina (N.C.). Mecklenburg County has their son listed as Billy Frank Graham born November 7, 19183. As Billy, grew he attended school in nearby Charlotte, N.C. He had lofty aspirations to become a first baseman for the Philadelphia Athletics4. Had he been so the Athletics would have had a very dedicated first baseman! A revival changed all that for the young “Billy”. As a senior in high school he made the decision to become an evangelical preacher5. His family attended a Reformed Presbyterian church but Billy decided to attend a Baptist University. He moved to Tennessee to attend Bob Jones University. He moved to Florida six months later to attend the Florida Bible Institute6. In 1939 he was ordained as a Southern Baptist minister and moved to Wheaton College where he received his Bachelors degree and met Ruth McCue Bell. He left Wheaton College with a degree and a wife in 1943. It is Graham’s hard work and charisma that have turned his decided vocation into a world wide evangelical quest. He heard his “call” and has answered greatly on radio shows, television, and in person. Graham has summed up all his sermons as “Man rebelled against God, and so he was separated from God by sin. Christ died, was buried, and he rose again, and men need to repent of their sins and receive Him as their Savior.”7 What follows is a timeline of Graham’s career since graduating from Wheaton8: 1943-1945, Pastor of the First Baptist Church (usually called the Village Church) in Western Springs, Illinois 1945-1948, Vice President and one of the principal speakers of Youth for Christ International. Traveled extensively through North America and Europe to preach at YFC rallies 1947-1952, President of Northwestern College in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Several of the college staff there later became key members of his evangelistic organization 1949- Held an evangelistic meeting in Los Angeles that was extended from three weeks to seven because of the crowds and which received extensive press coverage. From this point on, Graham was a prominent public figure, probably the best known evangelist in the United States. He held evangelistic campaigns all around the United States and around the world, as he continues to do. 1950 -, The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association was incorporated. The BGEA remains Graham’s organizational base, organizing his evangelistic meetings and those of associate evangelists, producing radio programs and televison broadcasts, publishing Decision magazine, sponsoring related activities and also doing some humanitarian relief and development work 1966. Sponsored the first of a series of international congresses and conferences on evangelism, intended to deepen the commitment and increase the resources of the Christian church’s for presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some of these congresses include the World Congress on Evangelism (1966, co-sponsored with Christianity Today magazine and held in Berlin, Germany); the International Congress on World Evangelization (1974 in Lausanne, Switzerland),the International Conference for Itinerant Evangelists (1986 in Amsterdam, Netherlands), the International Conference for Itinerant Evangelists (1986 in Amsterdam, Netherlands), and Amsterdam 2000 (2000 in Amsterdam, Netherlands) 1980. Opened the Billy Graham Center, a division of Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. The Center was intended to stimulate Christian evangelism around the world by a variety of means 1983. Billy Graham receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom 1987. The Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove, near Asheville, North Carolina was open to provide training in the Bible and evangelism to Christian workers and laypersons 1996. Billy and Ruth Graham receive the Congressional Medal of Freedom 2001. Graham’s oldest son, Franklin, succeeds him as president of the BGEA. Billy Graham continues to hold evangelistic campaigns Published Works According to Billy Graham’s official website he has written 25 books. Many of his books have made it onto best seller’s lists. His most notable work is his memoir “Just as I Am”. The following is a list of his best sellers9: Peace With God (1953) The Secret of Happiness (1955) My Answer (1960) World Aflame (1965) The Challenge (1969) The Jesus Generation (1971) Angels: Gods Secret Agents (1975) How to Be Born Again (1977) The Holy Spirit (1978) Till Armageddon (1981) Approaching Hoofbeats: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1983) Facing Death and the Life After (1987) Hope for the Troubled Heart (1991) Storm Warning (1992) Just as I Am his autobiography (1997) The Journey: How to Live by Faith in an Uncertain World (2006) Influence on American Christianity There is no question that Billy Graham has transformed evangelism. He has moved it out of the traveling tents and into mainstream America. He has changed the image of evangelism in America, from traveling tricksters who duped audiences with fake healings and requests for offerings, to a trusted relationship with fellow Christians. He has polished his presentation over the years from a young man with flailing arms to a mature man in command of his presentation. Billy Graham has always known what was at stake. The success of his presentation meant that he had reached more people and helped them to accept Christ as their personal savior. That has always been his goal. While others failed and gave evangelism a bad name, Graham has succeeded. He has conducted himself as a servant of God should. It is relatively rare for someone’s life to be examined and evaluated while that person is still living. Billy Graham has made such a big impression on American Christianity that it is appropriate to examine, and educated others about, his life. It is his conviction, dedication, and consistency in presentation that sets him apart from his peers. His message, and his mission, over the years have not changed: "My one purpose in life is to help people find a personal relationship with God, which, I believe, comes through knowing Christ."10 --Billy Graham It is estimated that Graham has preached to over 215 million people in 185 countries11. Part of his success in getting his message across to those who have accepted Christ as their savior is his insistence in prepping those who minister to his audience before his arrival and following up with those who have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. Before his last crusade in New York City (2005) he prepared the city by training counselors to assist those who accept the Lord as their Savior. These counselors are trained to lead small groups in Bible studies and conduct spiritual counseling. His ministry also encourages local choirs to practice and ready their churches for the arrival of Graham. Finally, ushers are picked and taught how to great people, hand out programs, and collect offerings. The goal is to have a support system in place that assists during the crusade but, most importantly, assists those who have come forward to accept the Lord during the crusade to continue to learn and grow after the crusade leaves. It is this type of ministry that differentiates Graham from other evangelists. He knows that those new in the faith need support and encouragement. Despite his successes, the Billy Graham Evangelical Association has been accused of inflating their attendance. Because of other evangelists inflating their numbers and giving evangelism some bad press, Dr. Graham has used official police estimates to report his attendance. One of the most important contributions that Dr. Graham has made to Christianity is that he has increased people’s interest in Christianity and religion in general. His public ministry has consisted of trying to reach as many people as possible and teach them about their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Graham has used his position wisely when talking to people or presidents. The message is the same for both audiences. Interestingly, Billy Graham (fifth) has been listed as one of the most admired men by the Gallup Poll. Pope Benedict is in seventh place!12 Billy Graham, and those who worked with him, have used technology to reach people and help them find their relationship with God. He has written books, used radio as it developed, and then television to communicate his message to as many people as possible. He has used the printed word by giving interviews to many newspaper and magazine writers. He has brought the glory of God into households across this country and around the world. He has used technology to take evangelism to new levels. Unlike other evangelists who got caught up in money and fame Billy Graham has continued his ministry with honesty and sincerity. In the early years of his ministry Dr. Graham set himself apart from other evangelist by not preaching to segregated audiences. His crusades included integrated choirs and associate evangelists of color. His ministry was one of example. He also only accepted the salary that a minister of a large church would receive. The books of the Billy Graham Evangelical Association (which pays his salary) have been audited many times with no problems. A question that is asked quite frequently is: what is the efficacy of the crusades? According to Media Relations of the Billy Graham Evangelical Association “that research indicates that 70-80 percent of our inquirers remain steadfast in their decision to follow Christ13.” Evaluation of Billy Graham’s Life and Work The loss of Ruth Bell Graham in June and the hospitalization of Billy Graham in August has many talking about their lives together. Dr. Graham turns 89 this November and I’m sure that major networks, like CNN and CBS, already have an obituary ready for when Dr. Graham passes. Why? Because Dr. Graham has had such significant influence on Americans that his passing will be a loss to all in some way. Many will mourn his loss. Although his son, Franklin Graham, has stepped up and taken on his father’s job Billy Graham’s shoes will be hard to fill. When terrible things happen people look for answers. They may not find the answers but they still ask. When Billy Graham visited areas where hurricane Katrina had destroyed just about everything he was speechless. He approached Katrina like other situations, with blunt honesty. He spoke of how Katrina was the greatest disaster he had ever seen. When he did find his words he told of how explained to clergy, who asked him why this happened, that “I don’t know why. But God has allowed it and there is a purpose that we won’t know maybe for years to come”14. He also compared Katrina to Job’s situation when he had lost all: “He couldn’t help but ask why, but he didn’t find the answer immediately, and he really never had the answer at the end”15. This is the way Dr. Graham is every day. He is honest to the core and reflects on God’s teachings to help him understand, and explain, how things are. Graham has been pastor to the presidents over the years. His relationship with Eisenhower may have been why Eisenhower added “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance and “in God we trust on bills”16. Many wanted Graham himself to run for president but he declined. He is happy with his role as pastor of the presidents. He spent time with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, George H.W. and George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. In their book “The Preacher and the Presidents” authors Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy tell of Ronald Reagan’s (who had Alzheimer’s) comment to Dr. Graham when it was time to pray: before we can pray we have to wait for the arrival of Billy Graham. What many don’t realize is that Billy Graham, and his family, are more than just religion in this country. They are very much part of the fabric that makes up this country. While Graham doesn’t sway from his purpose in life (to help people find a personal relationship with God) he does experience what many Americans experience. Early this year his grandson, Captain Edward Graham, was wounded in Iraq. Capt. Graham, a West Point Graduate and Army Ranger sustained shrapnel wounds on his arms, legs, and back17. Billy Graham’s influence is very evident as his grandson has said that “The Lord called me to the military and I am, without a shadow of doubt, where the Lord wants me”18. He is the son of Franklin Graham. The Grahams were very much the American family. Ruth’s self professed role as mother and wife was very important to her. While Billy Graham was off evangelizing Ruth was home raising their children. She suffered both loneliness and depression when Billy was away19. But, she dealt with it by writing. She was a prolific writer and kept a journal. After the children were grown she took her place alongside Billy and traveled the world meeting people. She also was friends with presidents and their wives. Ruth Bell Graham was very much a part of Billy Graham’s ministry. Her death brought him much sadness but his faith tells him that he will be with her once again. Both suffered the separation that came with his being an evangelical pastor. He could have chosen to be a pastor at a local church but felt “called” to be an evangelist. After their children were raised and on their own Billy and Ruth rekindled their love for each other. They were “Soul mates and best friends: In the midst of crushing fame, Ruth kept Billy humble”20. In all the years that Billy Graham was an evangelical preacher and pastor he preached how people should live. As he enters the last few years of his life on earth he is comforted to knowing he is going to Heaven and that Ruth is there awaiting his arrival. In a way he is again teaching. He is teaching how one should die. "Most of all, I take comfort in the hope we can have of eternal life in Heaven because of Christs death and resurrection for us. Ive preached this message almost all my life, and it means more to me now than ever before.21" Graham announced his retirement last year (2006) by saying that the New York City Crusade would be his last. His son, Franklin, has taken the helm and will continue the crusades. Many wonder, though, if with Graham’s retirement the evangelical movement will be retired as well. We have one thing other generations did not have: Technology. Billy Graham will be seen using modern technology to preserve his legacy. His is a hard act to follow. From Wheaton College to New York is a 62 year long ministry. In all the years that Graham has preached, pastured, or evangelized his conduct has been beyond reproach. There have been those that have questioned his acts. Graham was called on his comments with Richard Nixon in 1972. The questionable comment came when speaking to Nixon: Jews have a "stranglehold" on the American media. "This stranglehold has got to be broken or the countrys going down the drain," Graham told the President in the Oval Office after a prayer breakfast. Graham also said that "theyre the ones putting out the pornographic stuff.22" Although Graham does not remember the exchange he apologized publicly: "They do not reflect my views and I sincerely apologize for any offense caused by the remarks," he said. "I cannot imagine what caused me to make those comments .... I was wrong for not disagreeing with the President. My remarks did not reflect my love for the Jewish people. I humbly ask the Jewish community to reflect on my actions on behalf of Jews over the years that contradict my words in the Oval Office that day.23" Billy Graham’s success lies in the fact that he does not live two separate lives, one evangelical and the other family. He is Billy Graham all the time. He has used his relationship with the press to move forward his purpose in life: to help people find a personal relationship with God. Through the years Graham has welcomed the press to his home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and his office and library as well. The press has had questions for Graham all the time. He does not avoid the press but nurtures the relationship he has with them. Graham has always believed he had God’s blessing. It is with this belief that he moves forward through his life. The press is part of that life. The press record and print about Graham inadvertently helping Graham with his goal in life. Conclusion Billy Graham is no ordinary man. He is a man called by God to minister in a unique way: via evangelism. His chosen path has made him a household name as well as moved forward Christianity in the United States. His influence is certainly global as his writings have been translated into many languages. His crusades are not limited to the United States either. His ministry has gone global. Graham has used the tools available to him to continue his goal of helping people with their relationship with their Lord and Savior. He has used his pulpit, radio and television, and the press to his advantage. His show is for real. He is the same person on the pulpit that he is off. He is honest, sincere, driven by conviction, and dedicated to his cause. He has set up his ministry to out live him. The Billy Graham Evangelical Association will carry on his work, and his goals, long after Graham is gone. Bibliography 1920 Federal Census, Mecklenburg Country, North Carolina. Image 634, Supervisor District 9, Enumeration District 163, Sheet 10B Banerjee, Neela. 2007. “Accolades, Some Tearful, for a Preacher in his Twilight Years.” New York Times 156, no. 53962: a16-a16, Academic Search Premier , EBSCOhost (accessed October 1, 2007). Billy Graham Evangelical Association. 2001. 1957 BGEA New York Crusade Exhibit – Introduction. Retrieved 10/03/2007 from www.wheaton.edu/bgc/archives/exhibits/NYC57/32bio.htm Christianity Today. 2007. “Statistical Shell Game.” Aug. 2007, Vol. 51 Issue 8, p21-21, 3/4p Gibbs, Nancy. 2007. “Billy Graham, Pastor in Chief.” Time. Retrieved 2007-10-03 from http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1651625,00.html Gibbs, Nancy and Michael Duffy. 2007. “On Life and Loss. Cover Story” Time; 8/20/2007. Vol. 170 Issue 8, p46-47, 2p, 1c H.W. Wilson Company. “Billy Graham” Current Biography (1951). H.W. Wilson Company. “Billy Graham” Current Biography (1973). Ireland, Michael. 2007. “Billy Graham’s Grandson Injured in Iraq.” Assist News Service. Retrieved 10/01/07 from www.streamingfaith.com. Meacham, Jon. 2006. “God, Satan, and Katrina.” Newsweek 147 no. 12 53 Mr 20 2006 Miller, Lisa. 2007. “A Family’s Heartbreak” Newsweek. June 15, 2007. Miller, Lisa. 2007. “The Pastor to the Presidents.” Newsweek 150, no.8/9: 19-19. Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed October 1, 2007) North Carolina Birth Index Roll B C065 66001 Vol. 15 Page 59 Olsen, Ted. 2007. “Billy Graham Hospitalized with Internal Bleeding.” ChristianityToday. 8/21/2007 Shelly, Marshall. 2007. “Ruth Graham Dies.” Christianity Today, August. 13. Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed October 1, 2007) Spong, John Shelby. 1999. “Billy Graham:Man of Integrity for Yesterday’s World.” Human Quest, May/June 1999 Stengel, Richard. 2007. “Praying with Presidents. (Cover Story).” Time., August 20. 6. Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed October 1, 2007) Steptoe, Sonja. 2004. “10 Questions For Billy Graham.” Time 164, No.22: 8-8. MasterFILE Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed October 1, 2007). Taylor, LaTonya. 2002. “Billy Graham, 1918-Political & Social Views” Christianity Today: 4/22/2002, Vol. 46 Issue 5. p15, 4/5 p, 1bw Touchstone: A Journal of Mere Christianity; “Pastoral Life.” March 2007. Vol. 20 Issue 2, p56-56, 1/3p Turabians A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations 6th ed. 1996. Whitfield, Fredricka. 2006. CNN Presents “Billy Graham, America’s Pastor”. Read More