Around two o’clock in the morning in 1953, Billy Graham awoke with an idea. The idea grew from years of conversations with Harold Ockenga, Carl Henry, and Charles Fuller. They were eager to use their gifts, networks, and insights to influence the next generation of Christian ministers and leaders. Burdened with the weight of a God-sized dream, Graham penned the document for Christianity Today:
My idea that night was for a magazine, aimed primarily at ministers, that would restore intellectual respectability and spiritual impact to evangelical Christianity. It would reaffirm the power of the Word of God to redeem and transform men and women.
After more than 70 years, we bear witness to this God-sized vision that is still vibrantly alive. From the beginning, Christianity Today has carried a singular, unshakable mission: to elevate the name of Jesus Christ. There is no greater calling.
Long before our first issue was printed, Billy Graham envisioned a magazine to help the church think clearly, live faithfully, and bear witness to the one who holds all things together. His conviction, and the conviction of those who came after him, was that Jesus is not merely the subject of our stories. He is also the center of our hope, the heartbeat of our work, and the Lord whom we joyfully serve.
Christ is the one who brings life where death reigns. He breaks down walls, reconciles enemies, forgives sinners, and welcomes the prodigals home. He brings light where darkness gathers and hope where despair threatens. It is him alone CT seeks to magnify across continents, generations, and dividing lines.
As we look back through the pages of CT’s history, we draw from a deep well of evangelical teaching and tradition that prioritizes the authority of Scripture, the necessity of new birth, and the beauty of Christ’s redeeming work. Our times are not unique. The gospel has always faced opposition, the church has always navigated division, and seasons of cultural upheaval are nothing new for God’s people. Through every era, Christ remains faithful. His kingdom has not faltered. His Spirit has not diminished. His people still prevail.
Our task is to glorify Jesus, the one who still saves, forgives, reconciles, and redeems. While the world may say this isn’t possible and Christ’s power is insufficient for our crises, they are wrong. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead and ignited the early church is at work now—awakening hearts, renewing minds, and calling believers to bold discipleship (Rom. 8:11).
As I step into my role as CT’s president, I honor CT’s legacy and move forward with expectant hope. CT will continue to lift Christ high, make his beauty visible, and speak gospel truth with conviction and compassion. We will continue to hold fast to the gospel that invites us not to a shallow unity but to the deep, reconciling bond forged only by the crucified and risen Lord.
This is the perfect time to lean into the mission of Christianity Today. Let us journey together with our faith forged by the past and our hearts filled with joy as we steward this sacred calling until Christ comes for us again!
Nicole Massie Martin is president & CEO of Christianity Today.
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