Graham founded CT in 1956 with the help of friends and generous partners. Christianity Today set out to become, in Graham’s words, a “flag to follow” for believers who did not feel at home in progressive mainline congregations or reactionary fundamentalist settings. It would “restore intellectual respectability and spiritual impact to evangelical Christianity.”
Writing in his memoir decades later, Graham assessed that the launch of the magazine “helped change the profile of the American church.” It served as a voice to the church as well as a voice from the church into the culture.
Today, CT is a global media ministry that reaches 40 million people each year, advancing the stories and ideas of the kingdom of God. Graham’s vision, which came at a time of political, ecclesial, and cultural upheaval similar to our own, continues to influence everything that CT does.
Christianity Today should take the responsibility of leading in love, what so much of our evangelical work has failed to do in fighting a name calling.”
CT ArchivesHistorical Documents
Envisioning ‘Christianity Today’
Excerpted from Just As I Am by Billy Graham (1997)
Why ‘Christianity Today’?
The vision that has animated this magazine from the beginning.
‘Why Christianity Today’ Revisited
The first editorial for this magazine—reprinted here—still reflects our ‘deepfelt desire.’
Billy Graham’s Legacy
Graham called for Christians to “lead in love,” something we believe is as essential in our time as it was in his. As our world is shaken, the Church is divided by in-fighting, and our culture rapidly changes, there has never been such a great need and remarkable opportunity for Christianity Today. But we can’t do it alone. CT is a nonprofit ministry that is sustained by the generosity of a community of partners who long to see the kingdom.
Give to CT today to invest in Billy Graham’s vision and legacy. You can help CT lead the church and our culture with love.