Evangelist Greg Laurie: A Legacy of Faith and Encouragement for Modern Evangelists
In a world where the message of the Gospel often gets lost amid the noise of daily life, evangelist Greg Laurie stands as a powerful voice, guiding countless individuals toward a relationship with Jesus Christ. With a ministry that has seen over one million commitments to faith in the last fifty years, Laurie’s influence resonates far beyond the walls of his Harvest Christian Fellowship in California and Hawaii. His story, which inspired the Lionsgate film "Jesus Revolution," reminds us of the profound impact one life can have on many.
Recently, Laurie shared insights during an exclusive interview in Berlin at the European Congress on Evangelism, organized by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. This gathering brought together evangelists from various backgrounds, all eager to learn and grow in their calling. Laurie emphasized the importance of simplicity in evangelism, echoing the wisdom imparted to him by the late Billy Graham. “Preach more on the cross of Christ and the blood of Christ because that is where the power is,” Graham advised Laurie during a memorable lunch before his passing in 2018.
Laurie reflects on his time spent with Graham, whom he considers one of the greatest evangelists in history. This mentorship shaped Laurie’s understanding of what it means to be an effective evangelist. He recalls, “I felt like I was enrolled in the finest evangelist university on Earth because there’s no greater evangelist of the 20th century than Billy Graham.” The lessons learned from Graham’s approach to ministry continue to guide Laurie as he encourages others to embrace their calling.
At the congress, Laurie urged fellow evangelists to focus on the task at hand: to preach the Gospel and leave the results to God. He explained that the journey of faith is not about robotic conversions but rather about genuine professions of faith. “Some last, and some don’t,” he noted, highlighting the importance of follow-up and discipleship in nurturing new believers.
Laurie’s insights extend beyond the pulpit. He believes that every Christian is called to evangelize, as mandated in the Great Commission. “Every Christian is called to evangelize,” he affirmed. “But there are those specifically gifted by God as evangelists.” This distinction is crucial, as it encourages believers to share their faith in their unique ways, whether through personal relationships or larger outreach efforts.
The challenge for modern evangelists, according to Laurie, is breaking down stereotypes. Many non-Christians have preconceived notions about evangelists, often based on cultural clichés. “If you want to win some, be winsome,” Laurie advises, emphasizing the need for genuine relationships to build trust and open doors for meaningful conversations about faith.
Laurie also acknowledged the rarity of those specifically called as evangelists today. While many are called to pastoral roles or other forms of ministry, the number of individuals with a distinct evangelistic calling seems to be dwindling. “There’s not that many people who are called as evangelists today,” he observed. This reality makes it all the more important for those who feel this calling to support one another and remain steadfast in their mission.
In his discussions, Laurie highlighted the importance of humility in ministry. He reminded attendees that even the most qualified individuals can feel inadequate. “Moses didn’t feel qualified to lead the children of Israel,” he pointed out. “God often chooses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.” This theme resonates deeply with many who struggle with self-doubt in their evangelistic efforts.
Ultimately, Laurie believes that success in evangelism is measured not by numbers but by faithfulness to one’s calling. “Jesus will not say, ‘Well done, good and successful servant,’ but ‘Well done, good and faithful servant,’” he reminded the audience. This perspective encourages evangelists to focus on obedience rather than worldly definitions of success.
As Laurie continues to lead worship services and evangelistic events, including recent gatherings in Maui that drew thousands, his commitment to sharing the Gospel remains unwavering. His message is clear: every believer has a role in God’s plan, and through faithful service, they can make a lasting impact in their communities.
For more insights on evangelism and the work of Greg Laurie, you can visit the official Harvest Christian Fellowship website at Harvest.org or explore the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s resources at BillyGraham.org. These platforms offer valuable tools and encouragement for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of evangelism and their personal faith journey.