Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Founded in 1950 by the renowned evangelist Billy Graham, the organization is a global Christian ministry dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, it has organized hundreds of evangelistic crusades, utilized mass media, and developed extensive outreach programs, profoundly influencing 20th-century Christianity and shaping modern evangelicalism.

History and founding

The association was formally incorporated in Minneapolis in 1950, following the explosive success of Billy Graham's 1949 Los Angeles Crusade, which was propelled by the support of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Its establishment provided a permanent structure to support Graham's burgeoning itinerant ministry, which had already gained national attention. Key early figures included music director Cliff Barrows and soloist George Beverly Shea, who became integral to the ministry's signature crusade events. The organization's first major international effort was the landmark 1954 Greater London Crusade at Harringay Arena, which solidified its global ambitions and established a model for future campaigns in cities like New York City, Seoul, and Moscow.

Mission and evangelistic activities

The core mission is to conduct evangelistic outreach through large-scale events, training, and media. Its most famous activities were the Billy Graham Crusades, held in stadiums and arenas worldwide, which often featured partnerships with local churches and resulted in millions of recorded decisions for Christ. The ministry also pioneered the use of television through programs like Hour of Decision and established the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina. Other key initiatives include the World Wide Pictures film studio, the My Hope America television project, and the internet ministry Search for Jesus, adapting its methods to new technologies and cultural contexts.

Leadership and organization

Billy Graham served as president and primary evangelist from its founding until 2001, when his son, Franklin Graham, assumed the presidency. The organization is governed by a board of directors, which has included notable evangelical leaders such as John Wesley White and Grady Wilson. Following Billy Graham's death in 2018, the leadership has continued under Franklin Graham, who also leads the international relief organization Samaritan's Purse. The headquarters moved from Minneapolis to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2003, locating near the Billy Graham Library, which serves as a museum and archival center dedicated to the evangelist's life and work.

Media and publications

The association has been a prolific producer of Christian media, beginning with its weekly radio program, Hour of Decision, which aired for over six decades. Its publishing arm, originally World Wide Publications, produces evangelistic literature, the monthly magazine Decision Magazine, and numerous books by Billy Graham, including bestsellers like Peace with God. Through World Wide Pictures, it produced and distributed over 130 films, including The Hiding Place. In the digital age, it maintains a strong online presence through its main website, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada, and streaming platforms.

Financial practices and controversies

The ministry has historically emphasized financial integrity, often inviting external audits and publicly disclosing its practices, a model influenced by the National Association of Evangelicals and the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. It faced scrutiny in the 1990s regarding salaries and expenses, leading to policy reforms. Under Franklin Graham's leadership, its political advocacy, particularly on issues like same-sex marriage and Islam, has drawn criticism and sparked debates about its non-profit status. These stances have occasionally led to the cancellation of event permits in venues like Sheffield City Hall and Blackpool Illuminations.

Legacy and influence

The association's legacy is inextricably linked to the global stature of Billy Graham, who counseled multiple U.S. Presidents from Harry S. Truman to Barack Obama and was a pivotal figure at events like the Berlin Wall's fall. It helped standardize the large-scale evangelistic crusade, influenced the growth of the Global South church, and trained millions through its schools of evangelism. The ministry's emphasis on cooperation across Protestant denominations significantly shaped modern evangelicalism. Its ongoing work, including the Billy Graham Library and the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, continues to promote its founder's message and methods. Category:Evangelical organizations in the United States Category:Christian media Category:Organizations based in Charlotte, North Carolina