‘Morality’, wrote Augustine, ‘has perished through the want of good men.’ For this reason, the emergence of a true giant of integrity, goodness and grace will make its mark – even upon millions. One message emanating from the life of the late Cliff Barrows is that character is the only thing we can take into the next life.
Cliff Burton Barrows, born in California in 1923, died, aged 93, on 15 November 2016 in Charlotte, NC. Having gained a degree in Sacred Music, he became a Baptist minister in 1944.
Billy Graham
After marrying Billie Newell in 1945, he assisted Billy Graham at a rally in Asheville, and was then invited to continue as his Music and Programme Director – a calling in which he continued for six decades, conducting massive choirs and the singing of vast crowds in campaigns across 185 countries. He, and George Beverly Shea (‘America’s Beloved Gospel Singer’) were the nucleus of Billy Graham’s brilliant musical team.
In late 1948 Cliff met with Billy Graham and team-mate Grady Wilson, in Modesto, California, to identify the biblical standards necessary in evangelism. From the start the Modesto Manifesto – as Cliff Barrows termed it – was to set a fresh standard in evangelism for the 20th century.
Purity and unity
First to be resolved was money. ‘Love Offerings’ would be replaced by an ordered pattern of salaries appropriate to a city church minister. The second resolve concerned sexual morality. The self-discipline they instituted was to permeate the whole organisation, which has since been devoid of a single internal scandal. Thirdly, they determined always to work alongside and in support of the churches. Fourthly, they insisted on the modest accuracy of all reporting.
Later would emerge their refusal to engage in controversial teaching that divided Christians – but to stay with the direct saving imperatives of the Gospel. Further, a vital emphasis was developed on adequate ‘follow-up’ of enquirers.
At the funeral on 22 November in Charlotte, David Bruce, Billy Graham’s Executive Assistant, described Cliff Barrows’ vital campaign role as ‘a table-layer’ in the all-important ministry of assisting a great crowd to feel at home in preparation for hearing the proclamation of the gospel. ‘The Christian faith is a singing faith!’ insisted Cliff.
Yet it was more than music. Cliff Barrows had invariably hosted the regular Hour of Decision broadcasts and satellite TV transmissions that resulted in millions more registering their acceptance of Jesus Christ. He was to be inducted into numerous national awards. He played his own part in the Billy Graham film company World Wide Pictures – including his partnering with Cliff Richard in Israel, for the film His Land.
From the start, Cliff Barrows was a student and constant memoriser of Scripture and a brilliant personal soul-winner. After Billie died in 1994, he married Ann Prince, a widow, in 1995. Her support would extend Cliff’s ministry by over 20 further years.
Billy Graham held Cliff Barrows to be his best friend. ‘Cliff,’ he said, ‘was used of the Lord more than anyone else to keep us together with his strength, energy, devotion and love for the Lord.’
His works will follow him into eternity.
