Denver Seminary

Honoring Evangelist Billy Graham (1918 – 2018) An excerpt from Dr. Marshall Shelley's Christianity Today Tribute Billy Graham was perhaps the most significant religious figure of the 20th century, and the organizations and the movement he helped spawn continue to shape the 21st. During his life, Graham preached in person to more than 100 million people and to millions more via television, satellite, and film. Nearly 3 million have responded to his invitation to "accept Jesus into your heart" at the end of his sermons. He proclaimed the gospel to more persons than any other preacher in history. In the process, Graham became "America's Pastor." Billy Graham was born in 1918 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was ordained a minister in the Southern Baptist Church (1939), pastored a small church in suburban Chicago, and preached on a weekly radio program. In 1946 he became the first full-time staff member of Youth for Christ and launched his evangelistic campaigns. His 1949 evangelistic tent meetings in Los Angeles brought him to national attention, and his 1957 New York meetings, which filled Madison Square Garden for four months, established him as a major presence on the American religious scene. Perhaps Graham's lasting legacy was his ability to present the gospel in the idiom of the culture. He did this brilliantly, making innovative use of emerging technologies— radio, television, magazines, books, a newspaper column, motion pictures, satellite broadcasts, Internet—to spread his message. For many, however, William Franklin Graham won't be remembered for these accomplishments. He'll always be "Billy," as he preferred to be called. He titled his autobiography Just As I Am, a reflection of his humble spirit, taken from the hymn sung most often when he invited people to come forward and receive God's love. And for millions, his humility before the Almighty encouraged them to approach with that same spirit. "A career missionary and Denver Seminary graduate told me that after completing Bible college, he asked Billy Graham where he should go to seminary to prepare for missions. Graham recommended that he go to Denver Seminary. Pretty good endorsement, huh?" – Dr. Mark Young, President Dr. Bill Klein Celebrating 40 Years of Service with Denver Seminary Dr. William Klein, professor of New Testament and director of the Master of Arts in Christian Studies Program, joined the faculty of Denver Seminary in 1978. From 1994 until 2001, he served as associate academic dean. Denver Seminary is grateful for the 40 years of service he's provided to students, faculty, and staff. His longstanding wisdom, presence, and leadership have greatly shaped the Seminary. "I could not imagine a better colleague, department chair, division chair, associate dean, fellow scholar, and good friend for all 32 of my years thus far at Denver Seminary than Bill. He was the one who first told me about the opening at the Seminary, he was my cheerleader during the interview process, and we have shared countless joys (and the occasional frustration) together. Kudos to you, Bill, for 40 years!" – Dr. Craig Blomberg, Distinguished Professor of New Testament "Dr. Bill Klein was the teacher in my first class at Denver Seminary, and his enthusiasm for the New Testament was contagious. In my case, it was so contagious that I changed career paths so I could one day be a professor like him. Bill's passion for the Scriptures sets a rigorous, yet pastoral tone in his classes. His deep relationship with Jesus is always on display. He has been a tremendous encouragement to me for over a decade—first as his student, then through my PhD studies, and now as a colleague. As Bill's junior colleague, I continue to be blessed beyond measure by his wisdom, warmth, and Christ- like example. It is a pleasure to serve alongside him. Congratulations, Bill!" – Dr. Erin Heim, Assistant Professor of New Testament ENGAGE 5

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