[November 29, 2013] Reverend William “Billy” Graham, Jr. is a Southern Baptist minister, who rose to celebrity status in 1949 reaching a large constituency across the U.S. and the Christian world. He held large indoor and outdoor rallies; sermons were broadcast on radio and television, some still being re-broadcast today.
He is a great communicator with a consistent message, possesses humility and honesty, and is a person of integrity. Reverend Graham is often described as “real.” These traits are found in all great senior leaders.
Reverend Graham also talks about the essential characteristics that all inspired leaders should have. They are:
- Integrity – a leader can be trusted
- Personal security – knowing and accepting who you are
- Sense of Priority – ability to separate the important from unimportant
- Vision – having a view beyond a job but for something greater
The Reverend Graham has been repeatedly on Gallup’s list of most admired men and women. He has appeared on the list 56 times since 1955 (including 49 consecutive years), more than any other individual in the world.
“Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.” – Reverend Billy Graham
Grant Wacker reports1 on his Faith & Leadership website, wrote that by the middle 1960s, Reverend Graham had become the “Great Legitimator.” His presence conferred sanctity on events, authority on presidents, acceptability on wars, desirability on decency, and shame on indecency. By the middle 1970s, many deemed Reverend Graham, “America’s pastor.”
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[1] http://www.faithandleadership.com/content/grant-wacker-billy-graham
A few good websites that address the principles of Reverend Billy Graham are here:
http://www.biography.com/people/billy-graham-9317669
https://www.facebook.com/ReverendBillyGraham
http://myhopewithbillygraham.org/who-is-billy-graham/