Billy Graham’s Financial Practices: Transparency and Integrity

Billy Graham, the renowned evangelist, built his ministry, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), on a foundation of financial transparency and integrity. This commitment, born from a desire to avoid the scandals that plagued other religious figures, was a cornerstone of his long and influential career. One of Graham’s most significant financial decisions was the “Modesto Manifesto” in 1948. This set of principles, agreed upon with his evangelistic team, included a commitment to financial accountability. He pledged to avoid being alone with women other than his wife, and crucially, to allow an independent board of directors to oversee the ministry’s finances. This board was composed of respected business leaders and professionals who ensured responsible management of donations. The BGEA operates as a non-profit organization. A crucial element of their financial practice is an annual audit conducted by an independent accounting firm. These audits are publicly available, detailing the income and expenses of the organization. This transparency allowed donors and the public to scrutinize the BGEA’s financial dealings and assess their stewardship of contributed funds. Graham himself took a salary from the BGEA, but it was generally considered modest compared to the income generated by the ministry. He made a conscious effort to live a relatively simple lifestyle, donating a significant portion of his personal wealth to charitable causes. He often preached about the dangers of greed and the importance of using resources wisely. The BGEA’s income primarily comes from individual donations, both large and small. Funds are used to support a variety of activities, including: evangelistic crusades, television and radio programs, publishing books and magazines, disaster relief efforts through Samaritan’s Purse (an affiliated organization), and training for pastors and Christian leaders. The BGEA also invests in its future by building endowments. These funds are carefully managed to ensure the long-term stability and sustainability of the ministry, allowing it to continue its work for generations to come. While the BGEA has faced scrutiny over the years, particularly regarding its ties to conservative political causes, its financial practices have generally been praised for their transparency and accountability. Billy Graham’s commitment to ethical financial management set a high standard for other religious organizations and helped to maintain public trust in his ministry. He understood that financial integrity was essential to the credibility of his message and the effectiveness of his evangelistic outreach.