Evangelical Heroes in the 20th Century
The 20th century witnessed a remarkable surge of evangelical activity, marked by powerful revivals and the rise of influential figures who carried the fires of revival across the globe. This period saw a dynamic interplay between established church life invaded by fresh expressions of spiritual awakening, shaping the landscape of Christianity for decades to come.
Evangelical Heroes at the beginning of the century
Evan Roberts
The century began with a profound quickening of the Spirit. Evangelists like Gypsy Smith, Torrey and Alexander, and Seth Joshua were experiencing heightened spiritual effectiveness even before the momentous Welsh Revival of 1904. This revival, spearheaded by Evan Roberts, along with Rosina Davies, Dan Roberts, Sydney Evans, and a dedicated team of young women, swept through Wales like a wildfire, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s spiritual scenery
The impact of the Welsh Revival extended far beyond its borders, creating a ripple effect of spiritual renewal across the world. Like a spiritual tidal wave, it propelled numerous revivalists to the forefront of Christian ministry. Jonathan Goforth ignited revival flames in Manchuria and China, while Pandita Ramabai and Minnie Abrams kindled spiritual awakenings in India. R.D. Mackay and William Blair brought oversaw revivals in Korea, Amy Carmichael saw breakthrough in Southern India, and Joseph Kemp fueled revival fires in Scotland. From Chile, where Willis and Mary Hoover witnessed remarkable outpourings of the Spirit, to countless other corners of the globe, the impact of the Welsh Revival was undeniable.
Evangelical Heroes during the mid-20th Century
The mid-20th century saw a continuation of this spiritual momentum. The East Anglia Revival of 1921, led by figures like Douglas Brown, and the ministry of Jock Troup in Scotland, further fuelled the flames of revival. Smith Wigglesworth carried the revival torch to New Zealand in 1922, while the Shantung Revival swept through China in 1927, led by C.L. Culpepper and Marie Monsen. In East Africa, Joe and Decie Church witnessed a profound move of God in 1936, and Wheaton College experienced significant revivals in 1936 and 1943.
The emergence of Billy Graham in the late 1940s marked a pivotal moment in evangelical history. His large-scale crusades, the concurrent Healing Revival (1947-1957) and the Latter Rain Revival (beginning in 1947), profoundly impacted the global church, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to shape evangelicalism today
This period also witnessed significant revivals in various global regions, including the Argentina Revival of 1949 with R. Edward Miller, and the remarkable outpouring of the Spirit in Nagaland, India, in 1952. Duncan Campbell played a key role in the Hebrides Islands Revival of 1949, while WEC missionaries witnessed a powerful move of God in the Belgian Congo in 1952.
Evangelical Heroes during the late-20th Century
Billy Graham’s influence extended far beyond his own ministry, inspiring a new generation of evangelists to carry the Gospel message to the ends of the earth. His unwavering commitment to evangelism, coupled with his compassionate heart and effective communication style, left an indelible mark on the evangelical world.
Luis Palau, a close associate of Graham, embraced a similar approach to mass evangelism, conducting large-scale festivals that impacted millions worldwide. Graham’s children, Franklin Graham and Anne Graham Lotz, also carried on their father’s legacy. Franklin continued the tradition of evangelistic outreaches and humanitarian work, while Anne became a renowned Bible teacher and evangelist.
Greg Laurie – Harvest Crusade 2024
Greg Laurie, inspired by Graham’s passion for souls and clear Gospel presentation, continues to conduct large-scale Harvest Crusades, drawing on Graham’s model of mass evangelism.
These are but a few examples of the many evangelists who were influenced by Graham’s ministry.
While the late 20th century may not have witnessed revivals on the scale of the Welsh Revival, these individuals played a crucial role in advancing the cause of the Gospel globally.
The latter part of the century also saw notable revivals, including the Indonesian Revival of 1965, the Jesus Movement of the late 1960s and 70s, revivals in the Solomon Islands (1970), Asbury (1970), and Canada (1971), and the Cambodian Revival of 1973, among others.
The 20th century stands as a testament to the enduring power of the Gospel and the unwavering dedication of those who carried its message. From the fiery passion of the Welsh Revival to the global impact of Billy Graham and his successors, this era witnessed a remarkable surge of evangelical fervor that continues to shape Christianity in the 21st century.
For further research
A Survey of 20th-Century Revival Movements in North America
Revivalists Wikipedia