Statement by Evangelist Will Graham on Appointment of Dr. Ed Stetzer as Executive Director of the Billy Graham Center for Evangelism at Wheaton College
CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 16, 2016 /
Christian Newswire/ -- Evangelist Will Graham, vice president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and board member of the Billy Graham Center for Evangelism (BGCE) at Wheaton College, offered the following statement regarding the appointment of Dr. Ed Stetzer as Executive Director of the BGCE.
I've known Dr. Ed Stetzer personally for about a year, and have followed his work and ministry for several years. I am impressed by his immense intellect, passionate faith, good-natured humor, and ability to communicate clearly and openly.
God has used him in ways that we cannot even fathom. He has spent years building and revitalizing churches, training Christian leaders, encouraging believers and identifying trends in the faith and in society. His thousands of articles and many books have been used to equip believers to make an impact within their circles of influence. Through his work with LifeWay (and his many other endeavors), it's no overstatement to say that his fingerprint can be found on much of today's American church, especially the Southern Baptist denomination.
It is because of this rich background and selfless service that I am so gratified to see Dr. Stetzer accept the position of Executive Director with the Billy Graham Center for Evangelism at Wheaton College. This role will allow him to not only work directly in evangelism, but also serve on faculty and create an evangelistic focus within the student body at this historic institute of learning (my grandfather's alma mater).
The spiritual climate of the United States is much different than when my grandfather began his evangelistic ministry in 1947. We are now a post-Christian country, one in which an increasing number of people consider themselves atheist or "unaffiliated." More than ever, it is imperative that we be strategic, focused and intentional in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ to a world that has lost its way and is yearning for hope in the midst of despair and chaos.
We look forward to Dr. Stetzer's leadership and guidance in charting the path forward, raising up a new generation of enthusiastic evangelists to proclaim the love of Jesus – just as my grandfather did for more than six decades.
Join me in praying for Dr. Stetzer and the Billy Graham Center for Evangelism at Wheaton College.
