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Billy Graham, Technology and the Church

by Kevin Purcell••0
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Billy Graham died today at the age of 99 after years of faithful ministry.One thing that surprised me to learn when I toured the Billy Graham library was his forward thinking use of technology to spread the Gospel. I’m not sure why it surprised me, but I’d never thought of him and tech together.billy graham libraryIn the library in Charlotte, NC there’s an entire room dedicated to things like his use of film, radio, TV, and now the Internet to spread the message of God’s grace. He used any means to share what “… the Bible says.”Billy Graham even spoke at TED. It was back in 1999 and he talked about the use of technology in his ministry.If you’re not family with TED talks, these short speeches cover areas of interest to a mostly technology enthusiast crowd in various places around the world. You can get their apps on your phone or streaming boxes and online.Here’s his TED Talk in California back in 1999 in California.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90mj79GqWhc 

I’m Dr. Kevin Purcell, a minister, ministry leader, writer, and technology enthusiast with more than 35 years of experience in Christian ministry. I currently serve as Director of Missions for the Brushy Mountain Baptist Association, where I work alongside churches throughout Wilkes County, North Carolina, to strengthen local congregations, encourage pastors, and advance the Great Commission.

Over the years, I’ve served as a youth pastor and senior pastor, and much of my ministry has focused on helping churches communicate the Gospel more effectively. I hold a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Philosophy from Georgetown College.

For more than two decades, I’ve also written about technology, Bible software, preaching, and church ministry. My work has appeared in publications and websites including ChurchTechToday, GottaBeMobile, Preaching Magazine, and iPhone Life. I also create videos and tutorials about Logos Bible Software and other tools that can help pastors and Christians study Scripture more effectively.

KevinPurcell.org brings many of my interests together. Here I write about preaching, Bible study, ministry, artificial intelligence, photography, and technology, with a particular emphasis on helping pastors and churches use technology as a tool rather than allowing it to become a distraction.

At the heart of everything I do is a simple goal: to help build the church of Jesus Christ, make disciples, encourage those who serve in ministry, and help Christians use the tools available to them in service of the Gospel.

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