A biblical standard for evangelists

de Billy Graham

Many years ago God gave me a vision of bringing together evangelists from all parts of the world for a conference. I never doubted that someday it would happen. It was simply a question of being sensitive to God's timing for such an event. As we look back, we can sense his guidance in every step toward it. I'll never forget the day the Conference opened. As I viewed the scene from the platform, my heart was filled with gratitude to God. The vision he gave me so many years before was being fulfilled in his perfect timing. The Conference was more than a great time of fellowship and worship with fellow-evangelists; it was a period of serious and strategic thinking and praying concerning the completion of the Great Commision. In Amsterdam God enabled us to learn from one another. Many evangelists expressed the hope that some type of brief "code of standards" for evangelists could be prepared. A carefully selected international committee was appointed to prepare this. Their final draft -- The Amsterdam Affirmations -- stated briefly but thoroughly the biblical foundation, the task, and the integrity of the evangelist. The participants joined in affirming verbally their commitment to each of the fifteen affirmations. It was suggested that I write an interpretive commentary on The Amsterdam Affirmations. It is my prayer that God will use this commentary to help Christians gain a greater vision for God's work in our world. God has placed us in a unique and opportune period of history. The fields are "ripe for harvest." May we see a renewed dedication in this generation to the priority of evangelism on the part of every child of God. - Billy Graham, on back cover.