Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship in southern California has led a powerful evangelism mission over the past several decades, introducing Jesus Christ to a new generation. Laurie expressed gratitude for being able to serve the Lord for roughly 35 years.
Laurie recently told CBN, “I can’t believe that God allowed me to do this and to be doing it for 35 years. [When] we started these Harvest Crusade [events], never did we think we would be doing them 35 years later, but we are, and they’re going strong, and it’s a whole new generation.”
Given the context of postmodern Western culture, there is an undeniable hunger for purpose and meaning. As a result, many within the younger generations are pursuing God. “They’re searching,” Laurie noted. “They’re looking for answers, and I find myself in these crusades being simpler than I’ve ever been. I just feel my job is to make this information accessible and understandable.”
With so many people searching for the truth in Jesus Christ, Laurie explained how important it is to preach the Gospel accurately, not one of the many modern perversions of it. He added, “It is my belief that most Americans have never [encountered an] accurate, understandable presentation of the Gospel. They’ve heard the word ‘Gospel.’ They’ve heard variations of Gospel preaching, but have they actually just heard the simple Gospel message presented in a way that they can comprehend?”
The Harvest Christian Fellowship leader summarized the most important aspect of the Gospel: God sent his only begotten son to atone for humanity’s sins through his crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. “The power of our message is in the death [and] resurrection of Jesus Christ,” he said.
Laurie also recalled a conversation he had with the late Rev. Billy Graham, a legendary American evangelist who spread the message of Christianity far and wide. The pastor once asked Graham what he would say to a younger version of himself. “Billy said, ‘I would preach more on the cross of Christ and the blood — that’s where the power is,’” Laurie said. “So, now, at this point [in] ministry, I find that I’m really simplifying my message.”
Pastor Laurie has led an impressive mission to spread the message of Christ, much like Graham in his day. The Christian Tribune recently reported on Laurie’s 2024 Harvest Crusade hosted in Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. During the event nearly 50,000 people attended where thousands came to know Jesus.
“What a night! Angel Stadium was packed to capacity! 45,000 people filled the stadium. Thousands were not able to get in. Countless thousands more watched online around the world. The focus of the Harvest Crusade is calling people to Christ. So many responded to the invitation. I will give you numbers when I receive them, but thank you all for your prayers and support and as always, To God Be The Glory! People like to write California off. But God is not done with our state. The last great spiritual awakening, the Jesus Revolution started here. I pray it will happen here again!”