Evangelist Reveals God’s Power In The Everyday
Evangelist Greg Laurie, known for leading over a million people to faith over five decades, has played a significant role in global evangelism through his ministry and as senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in California and Hawaii. His early journey of faith was recently dramatized in the film Jesus Revolution, which portrayed the spiritual revival of the 1960s and 70s. Laurie continues to inspire others in his calling, speaking at international events like the European Congress on Evangelism in Berlin, where he encouraged fellow evangelists to stay focused on the simplicity and power of the Gospel.
Laurie shared a memorable conversation he once had with the late Billy Graham, a mentor and iconic figure in Christian evangelism. When Laurie asked what Graham would tell his younger self, the response was simple: preach more on the cross and the blood of Christ, as that is where the true power of the message lies. Laurie has carried that advice with him, emphasizing that evangelists must avoid overcomplicating the Gospel and instead focus on its core message.
Having served on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s board for decades and closely assisted Graham in his later years, Laurie believes that true evangelism is as much about personal example and integrity as it is about preaching. He notes that effectiveness doesn’t come from large platforms or celebrity status but from humility, faithfulness, and a sincere walk with God. Laurie also distinguishes between being an Evangelical Christian and being specifically called as an evangelist—while all believers are tasked with sharing the Gospel, some are especially gifted for it.
Laurie urges those who believe they may be called to evangelism to act on it and see how God works through them. He explains that biblical figures like Moses and Gideon also struggled with feelings of inadequacy, yet God still used them. Results may vary—sometimes many respond to the message, sometimes only a few—but the key is obedience and faithfulness. Ultimately, Laurie stresses that God’s measure of success is not numbers but staying true to the calling with integrity and perseverance.