Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Name	Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Founded	1950
Founder	Billy Graham
Country	United States
Headquarters	Charlotte, North Carolina
Type	Religious organization

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association was a global Christian evangelistic organization founded by Billy Graham in 1950 that coordinated mass evangelistic events, media outreach, and pastoral resources. It worked alongside institutions such as World Council of Churches, National Association of Evangelicals, Cru, and the Navigators to influence public life, religious broadcasting, and humanitarian efforts. The association engaged leaders from across United States and international settings including London, Sydney, Toronto, and Johannesburg.

History

The organization's roots trace to early collaborations between Billy Graham and evangelical leaders like Charles Templeton, C. S. Lewis, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, and agencies such as Youth for Christ. Early crusades in Charlotte, North Carolina grew into national campaigns, with partnership networks involving Oklahoma City, Los Angeles, New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and San Francisco. During the 1950s and 1960s the association expanded through alliances with media entities including ABC (American Broadcasting Company), CBS Television Network, and NBC. International outreach saw crusades coordinated with civic authorities in South Korea, India, Philippines, Argentina, and Kenya, and cooperation with organizations like World Vision International and Samaritan's Purse.

Mission and Activities

The association professed a mission to proclaim the Christian gospel through preaching, pastoral care, and training, often partnering with denominations such as the Southern Baptist Convention, the United Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the Anglican Church. Activities included organizing mass evangelistic meetings, producing religious broadcasts with broadcasters like Pat Robertson and TBN, publishing devotional literature, and operating pastoral training programs in collaboration with seminaries like Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Dallas Theological Seminary. The association also engaged in civic initiatives that intersected with figures such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan in various advisory or public prayer capacities.

Leadership and Organization

Founding leadership centered on Billy Graham with administrative offices later led by family members and associates including Anne Graham Lotz, Franklin Graham, and executives from the Charlotte, North Carolina staff. The organization structured event logistics with teams drawn from faith networks like Alpha Course, Youth With A Mission, Knoxville Baptist Center, and partner ministries such as Focus on the Family and The Navigators. Governance engaged boards and trustees who interacted with institutions like Wheaton College (Illinois), Liberty University, and Moody Bible Institute and consulted with policy groups including The Heritage Foundation and ecumenical councils such as World Evangelical Alliance.

Media and Publications

The association produced broadcasts and publications that reached audiences via outlets such as BBC Television, CNN, Fox News, and PBS. Publications included tracts, devotionals, and periodicals distributed through publishers like HarperCollins, Thomas Nelson (publisher), and Zondervan. The organization curated archives and biographies involving figures such as John Stott, Bishop T. D. Jakes, Dallas Willard, Ravi Zacharias, and A. W. Tozer and collaborated on documentary projects with production partners including National Geographic, History Channel, and Discovery Channel.

Evangelistic Campaigns and Crusades

Major crusades were staged in arenas and stadiums including Madison Square Garden, Wembley Stadium, Sydney Cricket Ground, Rose Bowl Stadium, and Soldier Field. High-profile campaigns drew civic leaders and celebrities such as Billy Joel, Elvis Presley, Paul McCartney, Muhammad Ali, and political figures like Bill Clinton and George W. Bush for public appearances, prayer services, or endorsements. The association coordinated international tours and joint events with local churches, denominational leaders, and humanitarian partners in regions including Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe.

Controversies and Criticism

The association faced criticism and controversy over political entanglements with presidents such as Richard Nixon and George H. W. Bush, editorial disputes with journalists from outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post, and theological disagreements with leaders including Carl McIntire and Jimmy Carter. Critics raised concerns about ecumenical compromises involving the Roman Catholic Church, the association's stance on social issues debated by organizations such as National Organization for Women and American Civil Liberties Union, and transparency questions amplified by investigative reports from media such as Time (magazine), Newsweek, and Life (magazine). The organization also navigated scandals linked to faith leaders such as Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart as part of broader evangelical scrutiny.

Category:Christian organizations based in the United States Category:Evangelical organizations