The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) was established by Billy Graham in 1950 with the primary aim of disseminating the Christian Gospel message around the world. The establishment of the BGEA marked a significant phase in Graham’s ministry, allowing for more organized and expansive evangelistic activities.
Formation:
After gaining national prominence due to the success of his Los Angeles Crusade in 1949, Billy Graham saw the need for an organization to manage and support his expanding evangelistic endeavors. As a response, he established the BGEA to serve as the administrative and organizational backbone for his ministry efforts. The association provided the necessary infrastructure to plan, coordinate, and conduct large-scale evangelistic crusades, media outreach, and other ministry initiatives.
Objectives and Activities:
The BGEA aimed to:
- Conduct Crusades: Organize and conduct evangelistic crusades around the world to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to as many people as possible.
- Utilize Media: Harness the power of various media, including radio, television, film, and the Internet, to reach wider audiences with the Christian message.
- Publishing: Publish books, magazines, and other materials to communicate Christian teachings and values.
- Training and Mentorship: Offer training and resources to support other Christian ministries and leaders in their evangelistic efforts.
Global Outreach:
The BGEA enabled Billy Graham to expand his ministry globally, conducting crusades in over 185 countries and territories. Through the association, Graham was able to mobilize resources, coordinate with local churches, and navigate logistical challenges to bring the Christian message to diverse audiences around the world.
Media Ministry:
Billy Graham was a pioneer in using media for evangelism. The BGEA created and distributed Christian content through various media platforms, reaching millions who couldn’t attend the crusades in person. The association’s media outreach included regular radio and TV broadcasts, feature films, and online content.
Humanitarian Work:
In addition to evangelistic activities, the BGEA also engaged in humanitarian efforts, providing aid and relief to people affected by natural disasters, conflicts, and poverty. The association sought to embody Christian compassion and service alongside its proclamation of the Gospel.
Legacy and Continuation:
The BGEA continues its global evangelistic and humanitarian work beyond Billy Graham’s death in 2018, led by his son Franklin Graham. The association remains committed to its foundational principles and objectives, adapting its methods and approaches to the changing cultural and technological landscape.
Conclusion:
The establishment of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association played a pivotal role in the expansion and impact of Billy Graham’s ministry. It allowed for organized, multifaceted, and globally-reaching evangelistic activities, contributing significantly to the spread of evangelical Christianity in the 20th and 21st centuries. The BGEA’s endeavors in media, publishing, humanitarian work, and global outreach have left a lasting imprint on Christian evangelism and continue to impact lives around the world.