Who was Billy Graham?

Overview

Billy Graham (1918–2018) was a prominent figure recognized worldwide for his evangelistic ministry, which spanned over six decades. Often referred to as “America’s Pastor,” he delivered the gospel to millions in person and to countless others through radio, television, and the written word. His life centered on proclaiming the message of salvation through Jesus Christ and encouraging personal commitment to God’s Word.

Early Life and Calling

Billy Graham was born on November 7, 1918, on a dairy farm near Charlotte, North Carolina. Raised in a family that upheld biblical values, he acknowledged a personal commitment to Christ during his teenage years after attending evangelistic meetings. Soon after, he sensed a distinct call toward evangelistic ministry, reflecting Paul’s declaration, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16).

In pursuit of this calling, Graham enrolled in Bible training institutions, where he deepened his understanding of Scripture and grew convinced of the necessity to share the truth of the gospel with all people, consistent with the charge to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Grounded in his belief that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, he dedicated his life to proclaiming the resurrected Christ as the only source of salvation.

Ordination and Early Ministry

Graham was ordained as a Southern Baptist minister in 1939. Soon after, he began preaching across the United States. He joined Youth for Christ in the mid-1940s, devoting himself to rallies focused on reaching young people with the gospel. His straightforward preaching style, combined with a sincere reliance on the authority of Scripture, garnered attention.

One of Graham’s earliest nationally publicized campaigns occurred in Los Angeles, California, in 1949. Large crowds thronged, and media coverage propelled him into a more prominent public role. Observers noted how his firm commitment to the Bible, fueled by prayer and his trust in the Holy Spirit’s work, resonated with many who were seeking clear answers about faith and salvation.

Worldwide Evangelistic Crusades

Graham’s “crusades,” as they were commonly called, became a hallmark of his ministry. He traveled internationally, conducting large-scale events in stadiums, auditoriums, and open fields in over 185 countries. At each crusade, Graham’s central message affirmed the power of Christ’s atoning death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–4) and invited attendees to make a personal decision to follow the Lord.

Reports from these gatherings indicated many thousands responding to what was often called the “altar call”: a public, prayerful act of repentance and faith. Graham reinforced that responding to Christ meant living a transformed life, in keeping with “presenting your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). His messages were broadcast via radio, television, and later web-based media, multiplying his ministry’s global impact.

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA)

In 1950, Graham founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association to organize and expand these evangelistic efforts. BGEA coordinated his crusades, produced radio and television programs such as “The Hour of Decision,” published resources like “Decision Magazine,” and used emerging communication tools across the decades to share the gospel message. Many have drawn parallels between these innovative efforts and the biblical admonition to “be prepared in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2), applying the best means available to reach the largest possible audience.

Doctrinal Emphasis

Throughout his preaching, Graham upheld the inerrancy and trustworthiness of Scripture. He likewise underscored the historical reality of Jesus’s resurrection and the necessity of believing in Christ alone for salvation (Ephesians 2:8–9). Graham consistently reminded audiences that “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), yet the good news is that Christ’s redemptive work is sufficient for all who repent and believe.

In writings and interviews, he defended the historicity of biblical accounts by pointing to manuscript evidence, archaeological discoveries, and changed lives as confirming the reliability of Scripture. This aligns with broader evidences, including ancient manuscripts such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, which corroborate the Bible’s content and transmission.

Personal Life and Legacy

Billy Graham was married to Ruth Bell Graham, and together they raised five children. Ruth’s unwavering support and her own devotion to Scripture provided encouragement for the ongoing demands of his ministry. Though Graham is known primarily for his public evangelism, his personal relationships and dedication to Christian integrity were likewise part of his enduring testimony.

Over time, Graham advised numerous U.S. Presidents and global leaders, becoming recognized for his willingness to bridge denominational and cultural differences to share a consistent, Christ-centered message. Upon his passing in 2018, tributes poured in from across the world, reflecting on his unique influence, genuine humility, and unwavering commitment to proclaiming “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

Historical Context and Broader Influence

Graham’s legacy is interwoven with major historical and cultural shifts during the 20th century. His widespread use of radio and television to broadcast large events revolutionized the way Christian messages reached diverse populations. The global scope of his gatherings introduced many to biblical teachings and spurred countless local churches to develop outreach ministries modeled after his evangelistic approach.

Some historians note that among the lasting effects of Graham’s work has been the reinforcement of certain central evangelical tenets—both in the United States and globally—such as the Bible’s authority, the necessity of conversion, and the focus on Jesus’s resurrection as the basis of Christian hope. Even in academic circles, his style of earnest, gospel-focused preaching has been studied, highlighting the enduring force of simple, biblically grounded declarations of truth.

Key Takeaways

• Billy Graham is renowned as one of the most influential evangelists of the modern era, preaching to millions and emphasizing a personal relationship with Christ.

• Grounded firmly in the authority of Scripture, he consistently presented the cross of Christ and the resurrection as the core of salvation.

• His foundational work with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, media broadcasts, and large-scale crusades advanced the cause of evangelism worldwide.

• His life demonstrates how an unchanging gospel message, combined with authentic faith, can transcend generational and cultural boundaries (Hebrews 13:8).

Billy Graham’s unwavering commitment to the Word of God and his global evangelistic reach continues to inspire countless believers and seekers alike. His ministry legacy stands as a modern testament to the truth that “the gospel…is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).