Donald Barnhouse

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Donald Grey Barnhouse was, for half a century, one of the most widely acclaimed American preachers. Scholarly exposition and a popular approach marked his teaching. An unyielding faith, devotion to Christ, innovation, and great energy marked his ministry.

Although some found him overly abrupt and sometimes controversial, his zeal for the Kingdom of God made him an exciting and captivating speaker. His elocutionary ability sprung from his careful speech, friendly manner, vivid analogies and most of all from his faithful exposition of the Scriptures. He was able to make the Bible relevant to the modern man. In fact his sermons have grown no less relevant to those who hear or read them today.

Dr. Barnhouse was one of the pioneers of radio preaching in the 1920s. Eventually he launched his own network program, The Bible Study Hour. In 1949 he began his famous study of Romans which continued each week for nearly 12 years until his death. This radio program continues to air as Dr. Barnhouse & the Bible.

The written word was also part of Barnhouse’s ministry. He wrote many articles and authored more than a dozen books. He was founder and editor-in-chief of Eternity Magazine. He displayed remarkable insight in his evaluation of the meaning of events for church and nation.

For over 30 years Dr. Barnhouse conducted a weekly Bible study class in New York City. More than 500 people attended. The demand for his services as a speaker and a conference leader was international.

His ministry was a varied one. For 33 years until his death he served as the pastor of Philadelphia’s historic Tenth Presbyterian Church. There his influence was realized in many young lives that were directed into the ministry and the foreign mission field.