That voice!
Dear Pastors
For about 60 years there has been one voice that has stood out amongst the rest in the evangelical world and that voice belonged to Billy Graham.
In 1959 it was ‘that voice’ at Athletic Park, Wellington that God used to awaken my parents to Christ’s invitation to know Him and to follow Him, to which they responded. It changed everything. I was just six years old at the time, the oldest of four children from a relatively new Dutch couple to New Zealand (1952). Three out of those four kids went on to serve the church and/or Christian organisations full time and the fourth a very involved lay leader. They produced seventeen grandchildren, sixteen of whom are following Christ today and just this last weekend we all gathered at a family shindig in Taupo with some thirty five great grandchildren in tow all under the age of 15. On Sunday morning we all gathered and spent a few moments reflecting and giving thanks for Billy Graham and the heritage he has left this one family. And here is the thing, this story can be repeated over and over and over again millions of times around the world. Billy Graham has left an indelible impression on the world and an incredible heritage. Thankyou Billy!
My favourite book ‘about’ Billy ( and yes I’ve read heaps over the years both about him and by him) is ‘The Leadership Secrets Of Billy Graham’ by Harold Myra and Marshall Shelley. It’s a great read because in a very warm and methodical way it touches down on the way Billy did ministry and leadership. It’s a book about Billy’s deeply held rock bottom convictions and philosophy(s) of ministry. It talks about such things as team leadership, confronting temptations, responding to harsh critics, innovation, handling money, learning from failure, redeeming the ego etc. It’s simply brilliant and in my opinion a must read for all of us in leadership wherever that might be including the marketplace.
Here are just two ‘stand outs’ for me.
- Stay Focused
Billy called it ‘lasering the mission’. It’s almost humorous that the BGEA’s purpose statement was written by business manager George Wilson in a single sitting…..yes a single sitting back in 1950 and it has never changed.
To spread and propagate the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ by any and all…..means.
In a day when it is so easy to get distracted we need as pastors to grab this one and like BGEA sharpen up on our evangelistic fervour and do all we can to house this in the local church as I for one believe that is where it belongs.
- Stay Innovative
As a ministry the BGEA is famously known as being “anchored to the rock and geared to the times”. Think George Beverly Shea to Johnny Cash to Amy Grant to Delirious. Billy understood one thing and believed it to his core. The message
Endnote. On Thursday this week (8th March) I am hosting a Memorial Service for Billy Graham at Hamilton Central Baptist Church, 33 Charlemont Str. At 7.00pm. Everyone is welcome.
Blessings
Alan
P.S. If you are interested in my newest ministry initiative you will find it at www.thepeoplechurch.org.nz This is a new church designed for people who for whatever reason don’t go to a Sunday (face to face) church experience.
Alan Vink is currently the Executive Director for LeadershipWorx. Prior to this role he has been the Executive Director of Willow Creek Association NZ (WillowNZ), a Baptist pastor (23 years), Bible College teacher, and church consultant.
