One week ago, I attended Billy Graham’s funeral. It was an unexpected opportunity, but something I will never forget. I have long admired Billy Graham. I believe he was used in a greater way than probably anyone else will be during my lifetime. This reflection is not so much on the person but on my experience last week. During my time as a student at Liberty University working on my Master of Divinity I wrote a research paper on Billy Graham for the course American Christianity. If you are interested in reading that you can click here.
I will say this about Billy Graham, even though he is not directly connected to my salvation testimony, he has had a direct impact on my life. It was not through his large crusades that saw millions come to faith in Christ. It wasn’t in his private advisor meetings with presidents. And it wasn’t in his many books I have read. It was in my adopting what has been known as “The Billy Graham Rules.” The four “rules” include:
- Operate with financial transparency
- Avoid even the appearance of sexual immorality
- Avoid criticizing other pastors and churches
- Be painstakingly honest in all publicity
Of all the negative things said about Billy Graham, he was never accused of violating any of these four rules.
Now, on to my reflection.
Back Story
Shortly after I heard of the passing of Billy Graham I logged on to their website for information about the funeral. This was simply out of curiosity. I stumbled across their page for media. To be honest, I still have a hard time remembering that I am a member of the media. On a side note, I tried to use that to get a special media pass to Arkansas Razorback sporting events but got shot down. That may be part of the reason I didn’t think about it. It was after stumbling across this on their website that I first considered the possibility of attending this funeral service. I went through the proper protocols to apply for media credentials to attend the funeral. I sent a group text message to my board of directors asking them to pray that I would receive an invitation. Within 24 hours I received a reply email stating that all media credentials had already been distributed. Needless to say, I was disappointed, even though I did not know how I would be able to afford going to Charlotte for a funeral of a man I had never met.
The next day I received a message from a college friend asking if I was by chance going to the Billy Graham funeral. Yes, it was seemingly out of nowhere. I replied that I had applied for media credentials but was denied. He mentioned that if I happened to be able to get an invitation that he would help cover my costs for going. Needless to say, that motivated me to ask the Billy Graham Association a second time about a pass. I explained my role with the Baptist Bible Fellowship International and the Baptist Bible Tribune. This was on the Tuesday before the funeral. I did not hear anything on Wednesday so I assumed it was still a no-go.
I wake up Thursday morning like it is any other normal Thursday. I left my house around 7:00am like I do on Tuesdays and Thursdays to teach at Baptist Bible College. I packed my clothes to stop by the gym after work. I finished teaching my second class of the day a little early and checked my text messages. One of my board of directors sent me a text asking if I had heard anything about the funeral. I replied, “No, I don’t think it is going to work out.” I had a few minutes before the chapel service at BBC was starting so I sat down to check my emails … and THERE IT WAS! I had an email from the BGEA with an invitation to attend the funeral … the next day. The email also stated that I had to be in Charlotte, NC by 7:30pm that night to pick up my pass for the funeral. Note that it was now 10:30am. “How was I going to be able to get there?” is all I could think.
I immediately call Stacy and let her know about the email and ask her to pray that it will all work out somehow. I log on to the airlines website and wouldn’t you know it, there is a non-stop flight out of Springfield, MO to Charlotte, NC departing at 2:00pm and landing at 5:30pm. Only problem is the ticket was $850. I call my friend that had made the offer. No answer, so I send him a text with the good news. I wait just a few minutes and he calls me back. He said he was on a stage speaking to several hundred people but came off the stage to call me. He conference called in his wife to share the good news. He asks her to take care of my ticket so he can get back to his presentation. Within a few minutes I have a confirmation email from the airline saying my flight is reserved. God is good! And I am thankful for good friends! I run home as fast as I can to pack and spend a few minutes with Stacy before I head to the airport.
Thursday Night Briefing
I arrive in Charlotte around 5:30pm, make my way to pick up my rental car and then start making my way to the Billy Graham Library and the headquarters for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Headquarters. Both are on the same campus. I am not sure how large the combined campus is, but it is large. Thankfully, it is also very close to the Charlotte airport. The first major highway coming out of the airport is even named after Billy Graham. I follow the directions to the only open entrance. Pulling onto the property I see what is simply referred to as “The Rock” where people could offer their memorials to the family. 
As I am driving onto the campus I was immediately struck by how beautiful the environment was. Granted, I just left Springfield where we are still in our winter look, Charlotte had begun to welcome springtime with the white Bradford Pear blossoms and Redbuds. Everyone I spoke to was extremely kind. Even while stopping at the first gate to receive my parking pass I made small talk with a security guard. He mentioned that he was on his eighth day in a row of working twelve-hour shifts, but you would have thought he had just returned from a vacation by how nice he was. Pulling onto the campus I was amazed at the number of satellite trucks for various news stations, both local and national.
After arriving to the headquarters of the BGEA, which was temporarily serving as the media center, I was offered a complementary dinner. Again, I was blown away by the kindness and generosity of the organization. I found my way to the main desk where I was given my official pass to attend the funeral the next day. The final briefing began promptly at 7:30. Mark DeMoss, family spokesman, shared all the details for the following day.
Friday Morning
Friday started early. I mean very early. I wanted to get to the Billy Graham Library as early as possible, well, within reason. Because of President Trump attending the funeral security was at a premium. This included no guests being allowed to drive to the property. All guests had specific meeting points where busses were ready to transport them to the funeral. Busses started running at 4:45am even though the funeral was not scheduled to start until noon. The purpose for this was for TV networks to be able to broadcast live from the funeral site. All live video had to end at 11:00am. The shuttle busses also stopped transporting guests at 9:00am.
I catch a shuttle around 6:30pm and make it to the Library around 7:00pm. This was my first time seeing everything in the daylight. Seeing the large tent that would serve as the housing for the funeral was pretty amazing. I was able to freely walk around the area to get a closer look at the home Billy Graham grew up in, 
walked through parts of the prayer garden, saw the Library with the impressive glass cross on the front. I also saw the pulpit that would be used for the service. 
We were told the night before that this was the same pulpit that was used during all the crusades during the 1990’s. I stood behind the pulpit and just imagined what it was like to preach to thousands upon thousands of people. Oh, the stories this pulpit could tell. I stood next to the piano that would later be used during the service. This was the same piano John Innes used for decades. It would travel from site to site for each of the crusades. I even walked to the right side of the searing area. The front row. I saw a sign on a seat that simply read, “Reserved Seating … The President of the United States.” It may sound “junior highish” but I sat down in that chair, only for a second, though, because I was promptly asked to get up. I seriously thought I had come all this way and wasn’t going to get to stay for the funeral.
I was again blown away by the generosity of the Billy Graham family and the BGEA. They had a tent set up for early guests with all the Chick-fil-A chicken biscuits a person could eat. I limited myself to two but could have eaten several more. I liked going inside this enclosed tent also because it was a little warmer. It was freezing this early morning and the wind would cut right through you. There were some noticeably concerned with the wind effecting the tent we would later be sitting under for the service. Not only was Chick-fil-A provided, there were other tables set up for guests with water bottles and all kinds of snacks.
Funeral Guests
There is no doubt this funeral brought out a “Who’s Who” of Christian leaders. Again, I may sound a little “junior highish” but there were a few times I had to remind myself I was at a funeral as I was awestruck by some of the guests. There were a few that I am acquainted with. I would not call us close friends, but I know them and they know me. For example, I was able to speak to Elmer Towns (co-founder of Liberty University) as well as Jonathan Falwell (pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church) and Jerry Falwell, Jr (president of Liberty University). I also spoke to Ronnie Floyd (previous president of the Southern Baptist Convention and pastor of Cross Church in my hometown of Springdale, AR). The other guest I knew was Paige Patterson (president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary).
Others that I spoke to, and/or got a picture with, included: Steve Gains (current president of the SBC), Rick Warren
(pastor of Saddleback Church and author of Purpose Drive Life), Johnny Hunt (pastor of First Baptist Church of Woodstock), Erwin Lutzer (former pastor of Moody Church), Fred Luter (former president of the SBC and pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church), John Hagee (pastor of Cornerstone Church), David Jeremiah (pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church), Joel Osteen (pastor of Lakewood Church), Beth Moore (founder of Living Proof Ministries), and finally Charles Stanley (pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta).Meeting and getting a picture with Charles Stanley was something I will never forget. I believe I have read every book he has written. During my years in Bible college he was definitely my favorite preacher to listen to. After the funeral service I was also able to speak to Anne Graham Lotz for a few minutes. Very moving conversation in just those few moments.
There were several other guests present that I did not get to talk to. But again, that is not why I went to this funeral. It was amazing to see all these “famous” Christians there to give honor and pay tribute to the same man. To see the impact of one man. Obviously, what gained the most attention was the President. It says something about a person when the “most powerful person in the world” attends your funeral. Both President Trump and the First Lady attended along with Vice-President Pence and his wife. Other political leaders included Sarah Palin and Ben Carson.
Funeral Service
You can visit www.billygraham.org and watch the entire one hour and twenty minute funeral. Billy Graham with help from his life-long friends, Cliff Barrows and George Beverly Shea, planned out the entire funeral service about ten years ago. A few details changed, such as the involvement of Barrows and Shea, who have both passed away in the last ten years. The service itself was fairly basic. There were songs, prayers, Scripture reading, testimonies, and a very clear message focusing on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Special music guests included Linda McCrary-Fisher, Michael W. Smith and the Gaither Vocal Band. Tom Bledsoe led the guests in a few hymns such as All Hail the Power of Jesus Name and To God Be the Glory. There was a bagpipe escort playing Amazing Grace to end the service.
Billy Graham’s sister and all five children each spoke during the funeral. Each in their own way shared of their father’s love for them but each also prioritized Jesus over their father. Gigi, the oldest daughter shared the story of her mother praying for a godly man while she was a child growing up in China. Anne Graham Lotz preached. I know many believe that women aren’t supposed to do that, but she can preach. Her final pledge to her father was … “in view of His appearing, I will preach the Word, I will do the work of an evangelist, I will share the gospel, I will run my race and live my life so that five minutes before I meet Jesus I have no regrets. I will live my life to exalt and glorify the name of Jesus Christ.” Ruth Graham shared a very personal story of her life’s struggles and even sin. She was shared her prodigal journey back home and her fear of embarrassing her dad. She reminisced about her drive to her parent’s house and concern of what her dad would think. He was waiting for her in the driveway when she pulled in and wrapped his arms around her and welcomed her home. Ned, the youngest child, highlighted his dad as being faithful, available and teachable.
Franklin Graham, oldest son and current president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, gave the funeral sermon. He shared that his dad “preached on heaven, told millions how to find heaven, wrote a book on heaven, and now he’s in heaven. His journey is complete.” Franklin stated that there were a few things he thought his dad would want him to share. First was that his dad believed the Bible was the infallible Word of God. Second, that heaven and hell are both very real places, and everyone will spend eternity in one of those two places. Third, the best news ever declared was that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Fourth, do you know that you are going to heaven. “If this was your funeral today, would you be in heaven?” He concluded the short sermon stating, “There was a celebration in heaven the day daddy went home, but not because he was Billy Graham, but because another child of God had made his way home.”
Takeaways
I always try to consciously learn something from every experience of life. This event was no different. Even on my flight from Springfield to Charlotte I began to pray and ask God to make it clear what He was wanting to teach me. There are many things I learned and/or was reminded of during this crazy 36 hour adventure. Here are five of them.
Never underestimate what God can do for you.
There is no logical explanation for how I was allowed to go to Billy Graham’s funeral. It still even sounds funny to read that sentence. I never met him. I was never involved in helping organize or bring hundreds to one of his crusades. I was turned down upon first attempt at receiving an invitation. I did not, nor did my employer really have the resources to send me. But I knew it was something I wanted to do. Not for selfish reasons, I honestly felt I was supposed to be there for some reason. I have respected the person and his ministry since I graduated Bible college. As I prayed, I worked and I watched as God began to open the doors for me to go. Reflecting back on the entire week I am thankful to know that it is only because of God that I was able to go.
Never underestimate what God can do through one single person.
I often share these two quotes;
“The world has yet to see what God can do through one man fully consecrated to Him,” D.L. Moody, and
“Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing by sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not whether they be clergymen or laymen, they alone will shake the gates of Hell and set up the kingdom of Heaven upon Earth,” John Wesley.
I have to believe the world was pretty close with the life and ministry of Billy Graham. He grew up a simple boy on a dairy farm. As a teenager he committed his life to Christ. While in Bible college in Florida he believed God had something more for him. According to the BGEA, Graham preached to 215 million people in live audiences (not including people listening online or on TV). Twice he preached to over one million people, both times happening in Seoul, Korea. Hundreds of thousands came to faith after listening to a Billy Graham sermon. The reality is Billy Graham is now gone. Who is going to pick up that mantle? I believe God can and desires to use you.
The significance of making evangelism a priority in your life.
I believe evangelism is one of the gifts the Holy Spirit gives at conversion. According to people a lot smarter than me, approximately 10% of all Christians have this gift. Please understand, EVERY Christian has the responsibility to evangelize whether you have the spiritual gift or not. I don’t know if Billy Graham had this gift or not, but he seemingly always took the opportunity to share Jesus with others. Yes, he is known for his large scale crusades and sermons on TV, but I have watched several interviews with people such as Woody Allen, Johnny Carson, and others. In his autobiography, Just As I Am, Graham shares of an encounter he had with President Eisenhower shortly before he passed away. Eisenhower asked, “Billy, you’ve told me how to be sure my sins are forgiven and that I’m going to heaven. Would you tell me again?” We should never miss an opportunity to share the Gospel with others.
Your family is your number one ministry.
I was reminded during the funeral service how important your family is. As each child stood and shared their “Billy Graham story,” it drove home the fact that if you fail your family you also fail your ministry. Its reported that Graham would sometimes leave for months at a time during the peak of his crusade ministry. But every child shared how important their father was to them and how he impacted them personally. Ruth Graham’s testimony stood out as she shared of her personal struggles in life going through two divorces. She has referred to herself as the prodigal and upon her return home that he was waiting in the driveway to welcome her with open arms. She said at the funeral while reflecting on this time, “My father was not God, but he showed me what God was like that day.” As busy as we can all get, we must remember that our family is our number one ministry.
It’s all about Jesus.
One publication stated that it took less than 15 seconds for Jesus’ name to be mentioned at the funeral. Person after person continued to state that Billy Graham would not want all this attention put on himself, but rather on Jesus. There is no doubt that the name of Jesus was lifted up at this funeral.
Billy Graham’s grave marker simply states,
Billy Graham
November 7, 1918 – February 21, 2018
Preacher of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ
John 14:6
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to surrender your life to Jesus and make your life all about Him.
What is your Billy Graham story? Share in the comments below.