Ministry Timeline
Take a look at key moments in Billy Graham's lifelong work and the ongoing global outreach of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
Calling Youth to Christ, Billy Graham’s first book, is published.
Billy Graham’s first citywide Crusade in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Throughout his ministry, Billy Graham preached to nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories.
Christ for Greater Los Angeles Crusade catches the attention of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. The resulting national and international news coverage launches Billy Graham into prominence.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) becomes incorporated in Minnesota.
First Hour of Decision radio program airs.
The Hour of Decision television broadcasts begin airing over the ABC network.
BGEA releases its first film, Mr. Texas, which is followed by more than 130 other films through the years.
First My Answer column runs.
The first issue of Christianity Today is published.
ABC broadcasts live meetings of the New York City Crusade in Madison Square Garden.
First issue of Decision magazine is published.
Billy and Ruth Graham start a radio station with the goal of leading as many people as possible into a personal and dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ.
TV Telephone Ministry begins, which has aided hundreds of thousands in beginning a relationship with Jesus Christ.
BGEA uses satellite technology to broadcast meetings in Sheffield, England, to 51 locations in Great Britain.
Billy Graham Training Center in Asheville, North Carolina, launches first programs, held in what is now Chatlos Memorial Chapel.
Franklin Graham holds his first Festival in Juneau, Alaska. He has since proclaimed the Gospel message at more than 325 outreaches in 50 U.S. states and territories, and in more than 55 countries.
BGEA uses satellite technology to broadcast meetings from London, England, to 250 locations in the United Kingdom.
BGEA uses satellite technology and video to transmit meetings from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to 20 Spanish-speaking countries.
BGEA officially dedicates the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina, for the purpose of Bible training of Christians.
BGEA simultaneously broadcasts the Crusade in San Juan, Puerto Rico, via satellite in 48 languages to thousands of locations worldwide.
BGEA launches the ministry’s flagship website: BillyGraham.org.
Franklin Graham named CEO of BGEA.
Franklin Graham named president of BGEA.
BGEA announces the move of headquarters from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Charlotte, North Carolina, the city where Billy Graham was born.
BGEA develops a Biblically based grief and trauma training seminar to minister to victims of the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The program ultimately develops into what is today the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team.
BGEA deploys the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team to minister to hurricane survivors in Lafayette, Louisiana. They have since deployed to more than 500 disaster zones, including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires, and shootings.
BGEA launches the My Hope ministry of home-based Crusades, resulting in more than 10 million people worldwide making decisions for Christ.
Will Graham begins holding youth events in Canada.
106.9 The Light FM begins broadcasting its HD Radio signal, making it the first Christian radio station in the Carolinas to adopt this technology.
Billy Graham holds his final Crusade in New York City.
Will Graham conducts his first three-day Celebration in the U.S.
BGEA opens the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Ruth Bell Graham, the wife of Billy Graham, passes away.
BGEA launches interactive Gospel site PeaceWithGod.net where millions have indicated commitments to Christ. The outreach is in over half of the world's top 10 spoken languages, as well as American Sign Language.
The radio station founded by Billy Graham extends its reach by acquiring 106.7 WRJK-FM. Today, multiple stations that make up The Light FM serve a potential audience of more than 5 million across seven states. Listeners can also tune in via The Light FM app and smart speakers.
Over 110,000 people surrender to Christ through My Hope America with Billy Graham, an evangelism effort in the U.S. and Canada that included a broadcast of Billy Graham’s message, “The Cross,” in homes, churches, and online.
Franklin Graham travels to all 50 states for the Decision America Tour, sharing the Gospel in every capital city.
The Billy Graham Channel launches as SiriusXM’s first channel to air evangelical sermons 24 hours a day.
Billy Graham passes away at the age of 99 at his home in Montreat, North Carolina.
As the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the world with fear, Franklin Graham began sharing the Gospel through national TV ads—new campaigns continue to air today. Viewers are invited to call the Billy Graham 24/7 Prayer Line, which has ministered to millions callers.
Tens of thousands gathered at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for Prayer March 2020, asking God for mercy and guidance in a time of political and cultural division. Millions worldwide joined in online.
The Billy Graham Archive and Research Center opened adjacent to the Billy Graham Library as a place for scholars, students, and others to explore ministry records and be inspired to further the work of the Gospel.
After closing for months of renovation, the Billy Graham Library reopened with a refreshed Journey of Faith tour and the new Billy Kim Hall, a place for special events, lectures, and evangelism training named after Billy Graham’s interpreter from the historic 1973 Seoul Crusade.
A 7-foot bronze Billy Graham statue was installed as part of the National Statuary Hall Collection at the U.S. Capitol with two verses inscribed on the base: John 14:6 and John 3:16.