Jerry Falwell died today of heart complications. He was a magnet for controversy because of some of his more extreme statements. I just wanted to share a few thoughts and memories I have of this Christian leader.
First, he was a church starter. The church he planted, Thomas Road Baptist Church, was started in 1956 with 35 adults and $1000. He faithfully led that congregation for more than 50 years and grew it to over 24,000 members. I hope that I have that kind of staying power.
Second, the school he founded, Liberty University, was the home of some great music including the meeting place for dcTalk. More than that, this school has raised up thousands of Christian leaders.
Third, in 1996, I attended the National Youth Workers Convention in Nashville, TN where Falwell was speaking. I wasn’t too thrilled about hearing from him because of my own stereotypes I had developed about him. They had a Bill Clinton impersonator introduce him on video who made comments about how much Chelsea was enjoying Falwell’s youth group and other pretty funny stuff. It helped me to see that although he took his stand on truth very seriously, he didn’t take himself too seriously. Anyone who knows how to laugh at himself gains kudos in my book.
Fourth, whenever he appeared on the tv talk show circuit, he always presented himself and Christ very well. He kept on message and presented the Gospel.
Finally, you always knew where this man stood. He had a big heart for those in need and a big heart for God. Jerry will be missed. Join me in praying for the Falwell family, the church and the university.