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Dr. Timothy Tennent: The Lessons Billy Graham Taught Me

Published Date: April 4, 2018

Over the last few weeks we have witnessed thousands of tributes from around the world, expressing admiration for Billy Graham and his evangelistic ministry which had such a profound impact on the world. I would like to share a few memories of  how Billy Graham helped shape my life.

First, the “Boston Photograph”

One of my favorite pictures of Billy Graham is one I saw at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary where I once served on faculty (1998-2009). It was a picture of Billy Graham preaching in the Boston Common in January of 1950. This is after the Los Angeles breakthrough revival, which went on for weeks. But, his critics said, “anything can happen in southern California.” If Billy Graham was truly anointed by God, he had to prove it in a hard, cold place like Boston. Preaching in the open-air Boston Commons during January was truly a test of faith. Remarkably, over 50,000 people gathered to hear the gospel preached. This crusade was before they had the organizational team fully in place, so there was no “center aisle” or roped off areas for people to come forward to respond to the gospel. So, Billy Graham told those gathered to wave their handkerchiefs as a sign of surrendering to God. It is that moment which is captured in the photograph. Thousands of people waving handkerchiefs as they gave their lives to Christ. (Historical note: In 1950, men and women in the professional world all carried handkerchiefs. In fact, it is truly amazing to see this picture from 1950 with everyone wearing suits and ties, etc.).

That picture, for me, represents, the life of faith. It has inspired me to step out in faith. If Billy Graham was willing to preach the gospel in the open air in Boston during January, then I can step out and trust God in my life.

Second, Preaching in the “Soviet Union”

Billy Graham spoke at a peace conference in the Soviet Union in 1982 and later returned in 1984 for a full slate of revival services where he preached in dozens of churches and in Red Square. It is hard to imagine today how controversial this was. Rather than rejoice, the media was filled with bitter accusations that Billy Graham was being used and co-opted by Soviet propaganda to prove that there was “religious freedom” in the soviet-bloc countries. I had the privilege of meeting Billy Graham when he flew back from the Soviet Union, because his first stop was in Boston where he spoke at Gordon-Conwell where I was a student at the time. The media was everywhere. I will never forget his response when asked about his being used as a part of Soviet propaganda. He said, “I don’t care about Soviet propaganda. All I know is that I preached the same gospel in Red Square that I have preached all over the world.” This was a defining moment for me. It taught me to not worry about all the naysayers and critics who will inevitably be there to discourage you. We must keep our eye on the mission. We must keep our eyes on Jesus. I have attended Billy Graham crusades. I have served in the “phone center” and had the privilege of leading dozens to Christ who called in on the telephone during his crusade. But, I think his fearlessness in preaching in the Soviet Union despite all the critics did more for me than I can fully express in this short tribute.

Third, Billy Graham’s funeral

I was honored to receive an invitation to Billy Graham’s funeral which took place on Friday, March 2, 2018. We had to arrive early at Samaritan’s Purse headquarters to go through security before being transported by bus to the revival tent on the grounds of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, just a few miles from where Billy Graham was born. As I sat there and listened to the service, I was reminded that Billy Graham had been intimately involved in the planning of his own funeral. The funeral was clearly not a tribute to Billy Graham. It was a tribute to the grace of God in Jesus Christ. Every speaker (including all of his children) emphasized the gospel. It reminded me of the saying which my mother always had (and still does) on the wall of the kitchen in the house where I grew up: “Just one life will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” This is the legacy of Billy Graham. It will soon be the test of our legacy as well. It doesn’t matter what we do, or what we accomplish. What finally matters is the glory of Jesus Christ. Even at his funeral, Billy Graham was still teaching us that great lesson. Praise God for a life well lived. Praise God even more for Jesus Christ, our Savior!

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9 responses to “Dr. Timothy Tennent: The Lessons Billy Graham Taught Me”

  1. Robert G Wickens says:

    Thank you for sharing those memories. And I thank God for you and your leadership and lasting influence at Asbury.

    • Rev. Terry Faris says:

      In the summer of 1969, while a student at ATS and a student-pastor at Midway UMC, I attended the Billy Graham Crusade in Pittsburgh, Pa.
      It was a wonderful time of courses in evangelism during the day, and attending the services at night.
      Billy Graham is the “real deal,” and we praise God for him and his faithful ministry for the Lord Jesus.

  2. Raymond Shaw, retired pastor says:

    I used to listen to the “Hour of Decision ” on the radio on Sunday evenings back in the 1950’s. I took courses from the BGEA and was a counselor at two crusades along with my wife. We went to the Cove one year and were greatly strengthened in the faith. I have always been amazed by Billy Graham’s boldness in preaching with authority which helped me in my preaching over the years. He preached to everyone everywhere he could, in season and out of season. Billy had people all over the world praying for him in his crusades which I think was the secret to his success. And he always tried to bring new Christians into the local churches for follow up. Again, Billy was right on top of things. So we need people today who preach the Word of God with authority, who network others for prayer, and who are willing to put the Kingdom of God ahead of everything else! May God raise up each of us to labor in the harvest of a great number of souls! The time is short before Christ’s return! Pray for more laborers.

  3. I had a similar response Dr. Tennent but from different venues. The bottom line is the Good News; Jesus Christ died for our sins and was resurrected for our victory of life everlasting. I will live to do the same until my last breath. And I will raise up others to do the same. Let us live to the praise of God’s glory.

  4. Isaiah says:

    Beautiful.

  5. Dr. Tim, thank you so much for your reflections of Billy Graham. My parent’s raise me to listen and respect him and I have followed him and read ‘Decision’ when it comes. I have attended a number of his events and went to his retreat center in NC. I was saved at one of his sponsored crusades in Waynesburg, PA in the 60’s.

    Thanks be to God for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association!

    Tom Michalko – Class of 1986

  6. Dale Shunk says:

    Thank you Dr. Tennent for your very personal tribute to Billy Graham. I have always been inspired by Billy Graham’s moral faithfulness and his choice to trust God’s Word completely early in his ministry. He is one reason that I continue to trust the Scriptures as the inerrant, inspired Word of God.

  7. Mary Grace Randerson says:

    Thank you for your reflection of Billy Graham. God bless you as you lead Asbury during these trying times. We continue to keep you in our prayers.

  8. Trisha Wood says:

    Thank you for sharing your experiences with and reactions to the preaching of Dr. Graham. Please continue to make an understanding and spreading of the Gospel of Jesus and making disciples the focus of every class, every chapel service, and every interaction between professors and students at ATS.

    Blessings in Jesus

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