America’s Evangelist

Our nation is uniquely Christian in ways that other countries are not. Think about countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Australia. Bible-believing Christianity is far more popular in the USA than in these other countries. Why? With our beloved nation’s 250^th birthday coming up, I thought it would be good to reflect upon a specific evangelist who shaped the religious identity of the US: George Whitefield (1714–1770).

Born and raised Anglican, Whitefield fell under deep conviction of sin as an early 20-year-old, rejecting the formalism that plagued many churches then. This conversion happened as he devoured the Word of God. He explains, “I began to read the Holy Scriptures upon my knees, laying aside all other books, and praying over, if possible, every line and word. This proved meat indeed and drink indeed to my soul.” After the new birth, Whitefield linked up with John (1703–1791) and Charles Wesley (1707–1788), traveling to Georgia to assist the Wesleys in their ministry. It was in the US where his star would rise. Rather than preaching in churches, Whitefield championed open-air preaching—a method of preaching that was unheard of during that day. Traveling up and down the east coast over a period of many years, scholars estimated that over ten million people heard Whitefield’s sermons. This occurred at a time when there were no microphones too! As Whitefield (and others) preached, the Lord lit the colonial territories on fire.

As Americans, we have a national identity to preserve as well as a Christian one. The birth of our Nation converged at a time when God brought about great revival. God loves our country, and He thundered His message, “Ye must be born again,” through His servant Whitefield (John 3:7). May the Lord find us all faithful to uphold and proclaim that message for the hope of our beloved Nation. Though I believe our nation is under the judgment of God (Rom 1:18–32), hope always remains, because Christ reigns. Gracious Lord, raise up more Whitefields to proclaim Thy Great Name for Thy Great Glory!

Pastor Chance