A Wise and Courageous Voice at Moody Founder's Week 1961

Probably the last clear warning against New Evangelicalism at Moody Bible Institute was given by Charles Woodbridge at Moody Founder’s Week in 1961. Though the warning was ignored by most, it was heeded by a young preacher named Rolland Starr of Massachusetts, who later pastored Cornerstone Baptist Church in Belmont. In 1998, he wrote the following reminiscence: “When I entered the ministry 40 years ago [1958], I sensed some things did not seem altogether right in the church circles where I fellowshipped, but I could never put my finger on it. The language always seemed right and yet Bible believers (pastors, leaders, etc.) seemed to be leaning toward those who were not in the mainstream of Fundamentalism. I did notice Billy Graham’s change. However, things really came into focus in 1961 when someone paid my way to attend Moody Founder’s Week at Moody Bible Institute--once a Fundamental institution but now deeply imbedded in the Evangelical camp. Though unknown to me, even when I was there, seeds of this new philosophy were well developed at Moody. Dr. Charles Woodbridge was one of the speakers and it was announced that one afternoon he would hold a special session for pastors, evangelists, missionaries, etc. After hearing what he had to say about this new mood, I marvel that he was asked to speak there. Probably 200 or more were present. I remember it almost as if it were yesterday since it was such an eye-opener. I still remember his outline. He said there were some changes going on among the Evangelicals-Fundamentalists. First, he noted that there was a new mood among them. It was a mood of compromise and accommodation. Then, there was a new method in evangelical circles and he particularly mentioned the new method in evangelism: ecumenical evangelism which Billy Graham had entered into some five years previously. Lastly, he warned that there would follow a new message. Anyone who says that Billy Graham, and the rest of the Evangelical crowd, preaches the old-time Gospel, the one he preached 45 or 50 years ago, does not know what he is talking about. My eyes were really opened. Dr. Woodbridge had certainly turned on the light. I came home a different man. I soon lost a good many of my former friends in and out of the ministry. I was too narrow, too bigoted. I have no regrets for, though it has not always been easy, it is wonderful just to stand on God’s Holy Word. I bless God for that man who had the courage to warn God’s servants of this deviant Christianity” (Starr, The New Evangelical Experiment, 1998, p. 4).

(Friday Church News Notes, December 20, 2019, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143)

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