As I wrote illustrations for Billy Graham’s sermons, I naturally spent a lot of time with him. I traveled with him, asked him many questions, and analyzed everything he did as he preached.
I watched him pray. I watched him deliver altar calls. I watched him as he went onto stage. I was there for it all. And as Billy was coming to the end of his crusade ministry, I was just at the beginning of mine.
Here’s what he taught me about evangelism.
Become Simple to Your Listener
Billy Graham once made a really important statement as he was being interviewed by the British journalist David Frost. He said, “I studied to be simple.”
That’s something that’s always stuck with me. The job of any evangelist is to strip away anything that would complicate your message.
As an evangelist, I want to avoid any peripheral issues that, though important, are secondary to the gospel. I want to be understood by the listener—and that’s especially important today, as many are Biblically illiterate compared to when I first began preaching in the 70s.
How I Apply Billy’s Teaching at Harvest Crusades
When I am evangelizing at Harvest Crusades, I find myself following Billy’s example. I never assume the audience knows what I’m talking about when I use terms like “sin” or “accepting Christ.” I always explain everything.
For instance, I’ll say something like, “Tonight I’m going to give you an opportunity to put your faith in Christ.” But then I break down what that actually means. And I also make sure I’m building a bridge with my listener; one way I do that is by sharing my testimony.
Preach on the Cross, Because That’s Where the Power Is
There is something special in the simple message of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
One time I was having lunch with Billy Graham and I asked, “If an older Billy could speak to a younger Billy, what would you tell yourself to preach more on?” He answered, “I would preach more on the cross and on the blood of Christ, because that’s where the power is.” I couldn’t agree more.
That’s why Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16 NKJV). The Greek word used here is “dunamis,” which means explosive dynamite power.
- An Evangelist Only Has One Message
I recall hearing a story of Billy Graham and his longtime associate, T.W. Wilson.
Billy was thinking about what he was going to preach on. And T.W. said, “Billy, you only have one message.”
And it’s true! Technically, an evangelist really only has one message. He may have a different text, different illustrations—but it’s a message of the gospel.
There Is a Supernatural Side to Music
As many know, “Just As I Am” was Billy Graham’s signature crusade hymn, as well as the title of his autobiography. His worship leader was Cliff Barrows. D.L. Moody is another who comes to mind. He had his song leader, Ira Sankey. Apparently when Sankey would sing “The Ninety and Nine,” something supernatural would happen and it moved people.
I think music is important in evangelistic invitations. There can be power in music when it’s harnessed in the right way. When combined with the preaching of the gospel, it can be a powerful tool…
To this day, I find myself returning to these lessons I learned from Billy—not just through his preaching, but through the faithful way he lived his life.
