God Uses Ordinary People’: Greg Laurie Reflects on Evangelistic Calling, Legacy of Billy Graham
At the European Congress on Evangelism in Berlin, Pastor Greg Laurie delivered a compelling message emphasizing that God often chooses ordinary individuals to fulfill extraordinary purposes. Drawing from his personal experiences and his close relationship with the late Billy Graham, Laurie underscored the simplicity and power of the Gospel message.
Laurie recounted a poignant conversation with Graham, whom he regards as “one of the greatest, if not the greatest evangelist in human history, apart from the Apostles.” In their discussion, Laurie asked Graham what advice he would give to his younger self. Graham responded, “I would remind myself to preach more on the cross of Christ and the blood of Christ because that is where the power is.”
This counsel left a lasting impression on Laurie, reinforcing his belief in the necessity of keeping the evangelistic message centered on the core tenets of Christianity. He emphasized that the message of the evangelist should remain simple and unencumbered by unnecessary complexities.
Laurie’s journey in ministry has been significantly influenced by his time spent with Graham. Serving on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s board of directors for 25 years, Laurie had the privilege of accompanying Graham at crusades, assisting behind the scenes, and helping prepare messages at Graham’s personal request.
Reflecting on this mentorship, Laurie described it as “a time of great training,” noting that certain lessons are best learned through observation rather than instruction. He observed Graham’s lifestyle, approachability, and how he carried himself, gaining insights that have shaped his own ministry.
Laurie’s own ministry has seen remarkable success. As the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, with campuses in California and Hawaii, he has led over one million people in commitments to the Lord over the past five decades. His personal story of salvation was also the focus of the widely acclaimed film “Jesus Revolution,” highlighting the transformative power of faith.
In his address at the European Congress on Evangelism, Laurie emphasized that evangelists are “everyday people who are gifted by God to share their faith.” He encouraged attendees to recognize their potential in God’s plan, stating that the Lord often uses those who may seem ordinary to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.
Laurie also touched on the importance of maintaining a personal life of obedience and purity, attributes he admired in Graham. He credited Graham’s evangelistic success to his dedication to being a lifelong learner and his unwavering commitment to living out his faith authentically.
The legacy of Billy Graham continues to inspire evangelists like Laurie to uphold the integrity of the Gospel message. Laurie’s reflections serve as a reminder that the power of evangelism lies not in elaborate presentations but in the straightforward proclamation of Christ’s death and resurrection.
As the conference concluded, Laurie’s message resonated with many, reaffirming the belief that God equips and calls individuals from all walks of life to share the Good News. His emphasis on the simplicity of the Gospel and the importance of personal integrity offers a timeless blueprint for effective evangelism.
In a world often distracted by complexities and shifting cultural norms, Laurie’s reflections underscore the enduring truth that God’s message remains unchanging, and He continues to work through those willing to answer His call.
For those inspired by Laurie’s message, his ministry continues to offer resources and events aimed at equipping believers to share their faith confidently and effectively. Through Harvest Ministries and ongoing evangelistic efforts, Laurie remains committed to the mission of spreading the Gospel to all corners of the world.