Billy Graham’s impact on evangelical Christianity is profound and multifaceted. As one of the most influential Christian leaders of the 20th century, he played a pivotal role in shaping the direction and character of modern evangelicalism. Here are some of the key ways in which Graham influenced evangelical Christianity:
- Mainstreaming Evangelicalism: Prior to Graham, evangelicalism was often seen as a fringe or fundamentalist element within broader Christianity, especially in the U.S. Graham helped bring evangelicalism to the mainstream, making it a significant force in American religious life.
- Crusades and Mass Evangelism: Graham’s evangelistic crusades, conducted worldwide, set a precedent for large-scale evangelical outreach. The events were meticulously organized, employed modern technology, and reached millions directly, with many more through radio, television, and later, the internet.
- Media Engagement: Graham was a pioneer in using media for evangelistic outreach. From radio shows in his early days to global television broadcasts and films later on, he recognized the potential of media to spread the Gospel message.
- Interdenominational Approach: As discussed earlier, Graham’s ecumenical approach helped bridge divides between various Christian denominations. This approach facilitated greater unity within evangelicalism and fostered cooperation for the sake of the Gospel.
- Evangelical Institutions: Graham’s establishment of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and his influence in the founding and support of other institutions, like Christianity Today magazine and the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization, have had a lasting impact on evangelical culture and infrastructure.
- Social and Moral Concerns: Graham’s voice on social and moral issues, from civil rights to the nuclear arms race, contributed to the broadening of evangelical concerns beyond personal salvation to include societal and global issues.
- Global Evangelicalism: Graham’s crusades in various parts of the world, from Europe to Africa to Asia, played a part in the global spread of evangelical Christianity. His emphasis on indigenous leadership and contextual evangelism influenced missionary strategies.
- Political Engagement: While Graham himself expressed regret over some of his political involvements, his relationships with U.S. presidents and other world leaders showcased the influential role that evangelicals could play in the political sphere. This laid a foundation for the increased political activism of evangelicals in subsequent decades.
- Role Model for Evangelists: Graham’s personal integrity, commitment to the Gospel, and his innovative evangelistic methods became a model for countless evangelists and Christian leaders around the world.
- Theological Clarity: Amidst the theological liberalism of the mid-20th century, Graham consistently upheld core evangelical beliefs, emphasizing the authority of Scripture, the centrality of the cross, and the need for personal conversion.
In summary, Billy Graham’s impact on evangelical Christianity is vast. He played a central role in shaping its character in the 20th century, emphasizing both its evangelistic mandate and its broader relevance to societal and global issues. Through his ministry, evangelical Christianity grew in numbers, influence, and cultural significance, not only in the U.S. but globally.