Our History
1950—Present
In 1950, Evangelist Billy Graham founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) for the purpose of “proclaiming the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to all we can by every effective means possible.” For over six decades, Graham preached to nearly 215 million people across 185 countries and territories on six continents. Billy Graham’s son, Franklin Graham, was appointed CEO of the organization in 2000 and president in 2001.
Today, BGEA continues sharing the Good News through a variety of outreaches: in-person and livestreamed evangelistic events led by evangelists Franklin Graham and Will Graham; the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team with a network of crisis-trained chaplains who minister after man-made or natural disasters; the Billy Graham Library; the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove; internet evangelism; print, television, the radio; and the Billy Graham 24/7 Prayer Line.
“Evangelism is not a calling reserved exclusively for the clergy. I believe one of the greatest priorities of the church today is to mobilize the laity in the work of evangelism.” —Billy Graham
Hundreds of employees and thousands of volunteers support God’s work through BGEA at its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina—where the Billy Graham Library and Billy Graham Archive and Research Center are also based—as well as the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina, and in offices around the world.
Ministry Areas
Whether next door or around the world, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is reaching people for Christ using innovative ministries and global outreach projects.
BILLY GRAHAM ARCHIVE AND RESEARCH CENTER
Billy Graham Archive and Research Center
As an extension of the Billy Graham Library, the Billy Graham Archive and Research Center exists to preserve the historical printed, audio, and video records of the evangelist and his team. By promoting access to these collections, the Archive and Research Center supports the mission of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association through inspiring and equipping future generations in proclamation evangelism, strengthening the local church, and training others in evangelism in order to help fulfill the Great Commission.
BILLY GRAHAM LIBRARY
Billy Graham Library
The Billy Graham Library supports the mission of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association to proclaim the Gospel to all we can by every effective means available to us, and by equipping the church and others to do the same. Our staff and volunteers present the Gospel through The Journey of Faith tour, Memorial Prayer Garden, homeplace, and evangelistic outreaches like Christmas at the Library. We also serve and equip Christians through the Billy Graham archives, Ruth’s Attic bookstore, Graham Brothers Dairy Bar, group programs, special events, memorabilia displays, student resources, communications, and donor ministry activities.
BLUE RIDGE BROADCASTING/THE LIGHT FM
Blue Ridge Broadcasting / The Light FM
Blue Ridge Broadcasting / The Light FM broadcasts the Good News of God’s love to a seven-state area that includes the metro regions of Asheville and Charlotte, North Carolina; Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina; the Tri-Cities in Tennessee, as well as Knoxville, Tennessee. In addition to our radio broadcast signals, The Light FM also offers encouraging content through an on-demand app and web stream that can be accessed on the website and through a voice-controlled device.
CHINA MINISTRY
China Ministry
The China Ministry Team (CMT) of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) exists to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to both the people of China and Chinese people around the world. CMT aims to develop strategic ministry objectives with key partners (i.e. Chinese churches within and outside of China, Chinese government agencies, other departments of the BGEA and Samaritan’s Purse). The ministry focus consists of the following areas: maintaining the legacy of the Graham/Bell family in China through the Nelson Bell Medical Center and the Ruth Bell Graham Library; the BGEA Chinese website and Chinese social media platforms; facilitating the translation and publication of BGEA and Graham family videos, books, and daily devotions within China; supporting the Chinese pastors and churches; promoting ministry exchange between BGEA and Chinese organizations through forums, conferences, and mutual exchange visits; representing the BGEA and Samaritan's Purse in seminaries and churches in China; and facilitating high level visits for Provincial Chinese Church leaders to the United States.
CHURCH MINISTRY
Church Ministry
The Church Ministry department supports the mission of BGEA to proclaim the Gospel to all we can by every effective means available to us by encouraging and equipping churches and others to do the same. Church Ministry coordinators and volunteers across the U.S. seek to build relationships with pastors, support their ministry in prayer and offer BGEA resources, such as evangelism training, as aids in ministry. The Church Ministry department is also central to the Decision America Tours by working to involve churches and individuals in the tour as a way to engage their communities and help spread the Gospel.
COMMUNICATIONS
Communications
The Communications department at BGEA consists of the following areas: project management, e-commerce, email marketing, advertising, public relations/social media/promotion, creative services (graphic design, content writing/proofing, and production), and Decision magazine, our official monthly publication. The department tells the story of what God is doing through the BGEA by creating print and online content that support the organization’s mission of proclaiming the Gospel, negotiating paid and leveraging unpaid promotional placements, and engaging new and existing supporters with targeted content using a combination of indirect and direct communications channels.
CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Corporate Affairs
Corporate Affairs assists members of the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer, chief operating officer, general counsel, and vice presidents in carrying out their responsibilities. All aspects of Board of Directors and Board Committee meetings are performed and coordinated by Corporate Affairs, including scheduling and distribution of notices, preparation of advance materials, conducting meetings and preparing minutes of meetings. Corporate Affairs works closely with the Board of Directors and senior management regarding Board and corporate policies and procedures, regulatory matters, ECFA compliance, and other similar matters. Corporate Affairs performs the responsibilities related to the office of secretary to Board of Directors.
BGTC—FINANCE
BGTC—Finance
The Finance department supports business and financial initiatives for the Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove (BGTC) including accounting principles, practices, and procedures.
BGTC—FOOD SERVICES
BGTC—Food Services
The Food Services department maintains the high standard of hospitality and food service set forth by BGTC. Food Services is responsible for food preparation and overall presentation of food for any event at The Cove.
BGTC—GUEST GROUP EVENTS
BGTC—Guest Group Events
The Guest Group Events department engages prospective groups who align with the mission of BGTC through the use of strategic marketing and promotion, and personal contact. The department provides event-related information to groups, negotiates event contracts, and delivers accurate billing to groups at the conclusion of their events. The department also conducts market analysis and strategic planning to maintain rate structures that meet the operational goals of BGTC.
BGTC—GUEST SERVICES
BGTC—Guest Services
The Guest Services department maintains the high standard of hospitality of BGTC. Guest Services manages facility usage and service coordination to support all events. Our commitment is to ensure every guest experience is wrapped in hospitality and enrichment during their visit to The Cove.
BGTC—LODGING AND LAUNDRY SERVICES
BGTC—Lodging and Laundry Services
The Cove Lodging department strives to extend hospitality to guests of BGTC by creating an atmosphere of comfort and cleanliness in our inn properties, cabins, and common areas. Lodging welcomes guests and makes sure day and night operations run smoothly in all guest accommodations.
BGTC—PROGRAMS
BGTC—Programs
The Program department offers seminars and other public, staff-programmed events that align with the mission of BGTC. The department schedules speakers, emcees, worship directors, and musical artists to enhance each attendee’s experience. It produces event-related collateral material for each event, negotiates agreements with all event participants and provides accurate reports at the close of each event. The department also conducts strategic planning to meet the operational goals of BGTC.
BGTC—RESERVATIONS
BGTC—Reservations
The Reservations department is the first direct contact potential guests have with The Cove about our Programs and property. Our team provides speaker, event, and lodging availability information. Our core task is to take calls to make and edit reservations, guiding guests through the process until the start of their chosen event. We provide various structures of reporting to other departments on the number of registered guests that will be attending each event.
BGTC—RETAIL SERVICES
BGTC—Retail Services
The Retail Services department is responsible for all activities related to retail sales for customers who visit, call, or email Ruth’s Attic bookstore at The Cove. The department’s goal is to provide merchandise that will inspire the body of Christ. The department purchases, receives, merchandises, and sells inventory to customers providing excellent customer service, product knowledge, and sales that meet the goals of the BGTC.
BGTC—SECURITY
BGTC—Security
The Security department strives to ensure and maintain a safe and secure environment for all visitors, employees, guests, and property of BGTC.
BGTC—TECHNICAL SERVICES
BGTC—Technical Services
The Technical Services department provides the audio and video support for all Cove originated and Guest Group events held at The Cove. Using state-of-the-art equipment, we mix music, reinforce and record live sound, shoot multicamera video productions, and provide presentation graphics to assist in the communication of the Gospel. Through this service, we enable all speakers to clearly and effectively train people in God’s Word to win others for Christ and thereby further BGEA’s religious mission.
BGTC—VISITORS CENTER
BGTC—Visitors Center
The Visitors Center maintains the high standard of hospitality of BGTC. The Visitors Center staff welcomes, informs, and assists guests and visitors who are visiting the BGTC.
CRUSADE MINISTRIES
Crusade Ministries
The Crusade Ministries department exists to carry on the mission of BGEA by proclaiming the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to all by every effective means available for equipping the church and others to do the same. Crusade teams work in cities around the world mobilizing, encouraging, and training local church leaders to create the actual evangelistic meeting where both the saved and unsaved will hear the Gospel message and be given an opportunity to either invite Jesus Christ into their hearts for the first time or recommit their lives in service to the Lord. After the invitation, the Crusade Ministries department works with the local church to ensure all who have made a decision for Christ are given the opportunity to assimilate into the local church and to receive training as a disciple.
DATA AND MAIL PROCESSING
Data and Mail Processing
The Data and Mail Processing department works to ensure that the donations, subscriptions, and product orders received through the mail are credited to BGEA donors' accounts. The department forwards any written requests on to the proper ministry area and ensures that the money received each day is deposited in the bank. They also enter contact information for those that attend various ministry events.
DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
Distribution Services
Distribution Services is located on the campus of BGEA headquarters and occupies approximately 15,000 square feet in a fast-paced production and mail-handling environment serving all ministry areas of BGEA. BGEA Distribution Services provides multifaceted printing, mailing, and order fulfillment services. Responsibilities also include shipping and receiving of materials, controlling larger quantities of inventory, while supporting multiple ministry platforms.
DONOR MINISTRY
Donor Ministries
The Donor Ministries department at BGEA works to cultivate meaningful, long-term relationships with ministry supporters and to identify, develop, and deepen new relationships with prospective donors. The goal of the department is to grow a strong base of support for decades to come. The department includes a core office staff and a regionally based field team who collectively serve the individuals, families, and foundations that support BGEA with their gifts and prayers. Through special events, personal visits, and mailings, the field team shares the work, impact, and needs of the ministry with donors and prospective donors. In addition, Donor Ministries is responsible for all external mail programs, including direct mail, monthly prayer letter and ministry updates, and other educational and informational pieces. Another integral part of the department is the Billy Graham Christian Response Center. Staff daily respond to phone calls and email correspondence, providing ministry information and answering spiritual questions with Biblical insight and direction.
FACILITIES
Facilities
The Facilities department is a multidiscipline logistics and building services group. This department provides landscape services, janitorial services, building maintenance services, and special event services. Its goal is to provide a healthy and safe environment for staff, guests, and for the work of the ministry. The Facilities department supports and empowers others to accomplish BGEA’s core mission of proclaiming the Gospel.
FINANCE
Finance
The Finance team supports the mission of BGEA by handling all the essential financial functions of the organization. This division includes five supporting areas: 1) Financial Operations handles corporate expense activities and personal reimbursements for ministry expenses; 2) Financial Reporting oversees the annual financial audit and primary financial reporting; 3) Financial Planning & Analysis coordinates the annual budget and assists ministry leaders with specific financial matters; 4) Purchasing & Travel handles the ministry’s travel and purchasing needs; and 5) Planned Giving Administration administers giving to the ministry from estates, trusts, and annuities.
FOOD SERVICES
Food Services
The Food Services department seeks to provide a high-quality lunch for staff and their guests. Food Services seeks to do so while maintaining accountability to BGEA’s donors of good stewardship. Furthermore, this department services numerous breaks and in-house functions each week. It also prepares and serves food for special after-hours events. The goal of Food Services is to perform all of this while reflecting the love of Jesus to each guest as the opportunity to serve arises.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Human Resources
The Human Resources department's mission is to demonstrate (proclaim) the Gospel of Jesus Christ in “what” it does for the ministry, the HR employees, and their families, and “how” they do it. They will also come alongside their employees to encourage, counsel, and support them in their response to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in all they do.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Information Technology
The Information Technology (IT) Department at BGEA consists of the following areas: IT Operations (networking, routing, storage, server support, services provisioning, security cameras, phones), HelpDesk (desktop support, event support, mobile device support), Application Development and Support (donor and financial systems support, custom application development and support, report writing, Tableau data visualization), and cybersecurity (cybersecurity defense, awareness, monitoring and analysis, and compliance). The IT department furthers the mission of BGEA through supporting, developing, scaling, and securing the assets, infrastructure, and programs required by all areas of the ministry while maintaining and ensuring their availability.
INTERNET EVANGELISM
Internet Evangelism
The Internet Evangelism department takes the Gospel to the world through SearchforJesus.net, a ministry built on digital tools and online strategies. Through websites like PeaceWithGod.net and various social media platforms, the Good News goes out in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic, Russian, and American Sign Language. Online visitors to these pages engage with trained volunteers through chat, private messaging, texts, and emails to get their spiritual questions answered. Those who respond to the Gospel invitation are mentored by discipleship volunteers as they go through online Bible study courses and are referred to local churches in their area.
LEGAL
Legal
The Legal department exists to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ by providing legal services and counsel relating to the rights, obligations, privileges, and interests of BGEA and its related organizations. We specialize in understanding BGEA and the various ways in which the law intersects with its activities, in order to seize opportunities while also managing risks.
MEDIA SERVICES
Media Services
Media Services is home to BGEA’s ministry production and distribution. This division includes: Video Media Services—the team that produces BGEA’s video programming and materials; and Audio Media Services—the team that produces BGEA’s podcasts and awareness announcements, maintains the Billy Graham audio archives, and the 24/7 stream of messages and programming for The Billy Graham Channel on SiriusXM satellite radio, and stays connected with BGEA’s radio station (Blue Ridge Broadcasting).
MONTREAT
Montreat
The Montreat office served the ministry of both Billy and Ruth Graham through support and logistical operations, and with the close of the Minneapolis office some years ago, it has become the oldest continuous BGEA ministry location now into its sixth decade of existence. Since Mr. Graham’s death, the remaining purpose of this office continues through historical material preservation, processing, cataloguing, and transferring valuable artifacts, memorabilia, and ministry files to both the Billy Graham Library and the Graham Center Archives at Wheaton College. In addition, Montreat office personnel are charged with maintaining and securing local BGEA real estate holdings including the Graham home, property, roadways, and the office complex until decisions about the use of those assets are determined.
BILLY GRAHAM RAPID RESPONSE TEAM
Billy Graham Rapid Response Team
In response to major disasters, there are over 2,500 Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) crisis-trained chaplains in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia who stand ready to deploy to communities devastated by storms, shootings, floods, and other tragedies to offer emotional and spiritual care for survivors. These chaplains are trained to appropriately demonstrate the compassion and hope of Jesus Christ, who “heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3, ESV). BG-RRT seeks to serve area churches by assisting them in building a Biblically based follow-up process for new believers, many of which make a personal commitment to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior in the midst of their grief and loss. The BG-RRT National Law Enforcement Ministry exists to offer support to men and women facing the emotional and spiritual challenges unique to law enforcement officers and their families.
SECURITY
Security
The BGEA Security department is responsible for providing a safe and secure environment for employees and visitors on the premises of BGEA, and to protect all Association property from theft and damage. To this end, the department seeks first to prevent and then to mitigate the effects of man-made or natural disasters, and medical emergencies, as well as to have a physical presence on-site and to monitor the property at all times.
The Title VII Exception for Employment
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) is a faith-based religious organization committed to spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ through every effective means. Consistent with our charitable purpose to share the Christian faith, a requirement for employment at BGEA is affirmation and adherence to our Christian Statement of Faith. Our Statement of Faith prerequisite for employment is based upon federal law set forth in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. Section 2000e-1.
