FINALLY: The President of Samaritan’s Purse, Franklin Graham, Has Been Ordained as a Pastor in a Historic Ceremony
In a momentous and long-anticipated event, Franklin Graham, the esteemed President of Samaritan’s Purse and a globally recognized humanitarian leader, has been officially ordained as a pastor. The ceremony, held in the heart of North Carolina, was attended by thousands, including dignitaries, faith leaders, and members of the Graham family.
For years, many within the evangelical community had wondered if Graham would follow in the footsteps of his legendary father, Billy Graham, and formally take on the pastoral mantle. Though he has been a prominent preacher, evangelist, and humanitarian, Franklin Graham had never officially held the title of ‘pastor.’ That all changed in a powerful service that took place at the historic Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove.
A Ceremony Rooted in Tradition and Faith
The ordination ceremony was a grand yet solemn affair, reflecting the deep spiritual significance of the occasion. A choir of more than 200 voices sang hymns of praise as the congregation filled the air with prayer and thanksgiving. Graham stood humbly at the altar as a coalition of esteemed ministers from various denominations gathered around him, laying hands upon him in an anointing of blessing and consecration.
Among the faith leaders present were pastors from Southern Baptist, Pentecostal, and non-denominational churches, all recognizing Graham’s lifelong commitment to spreading the Gospel and serving the needy. Reverend Mark Williams, one of the officiating ministers, declared, “Franklin Graham has already lived a life worthy of the pastoral calling. Today, we simply affirm what God has already placed upon him.”
A Lifelong Calling Fulfilled
For Franklin Graham, this moment was not about titles or recognition but about reaffirming his dedication to the work of the Lord. “I never needed a title to preach the Gospel or to serve others,” he said during his address to the congregation. “But I stand here today humbled and grateful, recognizing that this is part of God’s plan for my life. I only want to be faithful in what He has called me to do.”
Graham’s journey has been anything but conventional. Though born into one of the most influential Christian families in history, his path to ministry was marked by personal struggles and a time of rebellion in his youth. However, his eventual surrender to God’s call led him to not only continue the evangelistic mission of his father but also to expand the reach of humanitarian aid through Samaritan’s Purse. Under his leadership, the organization has provided disaster relief, medical assistance, and aid to millions worldwide.
A Family’s Legacy Continues
The ceremony was an emotional one for the Graham family, with Franklin’s siblings, children, and grandchildren all in attendance. His sister, Anne Graham Lotz, delivered a heartfelt message, expressing her joy that Franklin was finally stepping into this role. “Our father preached the Gospel to the nations, and now my brother carries that torch with the same passion and dedication,” she said.
One of the most touching moments of the service was a special tribute to Billy Graham, who passed away in 2018. A recording of his voice echoed through the sanctuary, a reminder of the spiritual foundation upon which Franklin Graham now officially builds his pastoral ministry. “The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only message that has the power to change lives,” the late Billy Graham’s voice resounded, bringing many in the audience to tears.
A New Chapter for Franklin Graham
With his ordination, Franklin Graham has signaled that his work is far from over. In fact, he believes this is just the beginning of a new season in his life. He announced plans to expand the outreach of Samaritan’s Purse while continuing to lead evangelistic efforts around the world. His first official act as an ordained pastor will be to conduct a series of revival meetings across the United States, aiming to ignite a fresh wave of faith and renewal in the nation.
“This is not about me,” Graham concluded in his closing remarks. “This is about Jesus Christ. It’s about bringing hope to the hopeless, help to the hurting, and truth to a world that desperately needs it.”
The ordination of Franklin Graham as a pastor is a historic milestone, one that will undoubtedly shape the future of his ministry. For many, it is a long-awaited affirmation of a calling that he has already been living out for decades. As he steps into this new role, the world watches with anticipation, knowing that the impact of his ministry will continue to reach the ends of the earth.
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