5 Things We Can Take Away From the Legacy of Billy Graham
The Christian world is still grieving the death of Billy Graham. Even though he lived to be 99 years old, there is still a sense of loss. We should pray for his family in these days.
In addition, we should look at the legacy of Billy Graham and try to learn from it. There are so many lessons for Christian leaders from the life of Billy Graham. Here are five things we can take away from his legacy.
1. Plan to Finish Well
Much of the pressure that Christian leaders feel is to perform well right now. Sometimes that pressure is so great that they end up falling after only a short while. One of the most impressive things about Billy Graham was that he finished well. That was not just a matter of chance. Billy Graham planned in such a way that he could finish well. Do more than just hope for the best.
2. It’s Not About the Individual
Billy Graham personally achieved much but that’s not all he did. He built up the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Billy had been retired for some time but his work has continued through the association. When a leader makes it all about them, their work dies when they die. Build and empower a team.
3. Be Innovative
We may think of crusade evangelism today as old fashioned but much of what Billy did in his day was cutting edge. Everything from filling stadiums, televising crusades and making movies was well outside the church’s comfort zone. Our job is not to do exactly the same things he did, but to have that same spirit of innovation.
4. Be a Bridge Builder
The beginning of Billy Graham’s career saw much support from the conservative fundamentalist wing of Christianity. That soon changed. Many abandoned Billy Graham because he reached out to all parts of the Christian church. Billy was a bridge builder when what they wanted was for him to be a wall builder. Billy paid a price for this decision but it worked for the best in the long run. Being a bridge builder doesn’t mean giving up core beliefs, but it does mean working together in the areas that we can and with those who hold the same basic faith.
5. Don’t Sacrifice Family
Billy Graham was not a perfect person. From what I have read, his biggest regret was the lack of attention he gave to his children. The ministry was always calling and he responded to that call. However, serving God does not require neglecting our families. True Christian ministry includes taking care of our families and demonstrating love to them.
