Franklin Graham Bio, Education, Age, Family, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Salary, Books

Franklin Graham Bio

Full Name: William Franklin Graham III
Date of Birth: July 14, 1952
Place of Birth: Asheville, North Carolina, USA
Occupation: Evangelist, Missionary, Author, CEO
Organizations: Samaritan’s Purse & Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA)

Franklin Graham is an American evangelist and missionary known for leading two major Christian organizations: Samaritan’s Purse, a global humanitarian ministry, and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), founded by his father, the late Rev. Billy Graham. Franklin’s bold preaching style and humanitarian work have made him a prominent figure in both religious and political circles.

Franklin Graham Early Life

Franklin Graham was born into one of America’s most famous Christian families. As the fourth of five children of Billy and Ruth Graham, he spent his early years traveling and observing his father’s global ministry. Despite his spiritual upbringing, Franklin went through a rebellious phase during his teenage years and early adulthood. He smoked, partied, and traveled aimlessly before dedicating his life to Christ at age 22 during a spiritual retreat in Jerusalem.

Franklin Graham Education

Franklin attended LeTourneau College in Texas briefly before transferring to Montreat-Anderson College (now Montreat College) in North Carolina, where he graduated with an associate degree in 1974. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.

Though not formally seminary-trained, Franklin gained ministry experience through mentorship under his father and decades of mission work.

Franklin Graham’s Career

Franklin Graham, son of the legendary evangelist Billy Graham, has built a remarkable career in Christian ministry and humanitarian work. Born in 1962 in Asheville, North Carolina, Franklin was immersed in the world of faith from an early age, but his path to becoming a public figure in his own right took time and dedication.

Early Ministry and Leadership of Samaritan’s Purse

Franklin Graham’s ministry career began in the 1970s, when he was influenced by his father’s global crusades. However, Franklin’s approach to ministry was distinct from that of his father. He wanted to make a difference in the world through both preaching the gospel and serving the poor. His first major involvement in humanitarian work came in 1970 when he began leading the Samaritan’s Purse organization, which was founded by Bob Pierce. The organization provides emergency relief, disaster response, and long-term development in impoverished and war-torn regions.

Under Franklin’s leadership, Samaritan’s Purse grew from a relatively small organization to one of the most recognized Christian-based humanitarian organizations in the world. Through its Operation Christmas Child initiative, the group sends millions of shoeboxes filled with gifts to children in over 100 countries. Additionally, Franklin and his organization have been at the forefront of disaster relief efforts around the globe, providing aid in countries affected by war, famine, and natural disasters, including Hurricane Katrina (2005) and the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA)

Franklin Graham took over the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) in 2001 after his father, Billy Graham, officially stepped down from active ministry. Franklin’s leadership at BGEA marked a new era in the organization’s outreach, with a blend of traditional evangelism and modern methods, including the use of social media, television broadcasts, and internet platforms. He continued his father’s legacy by holding crusades, though his style and approach were slightly different, focusing more on direct evangelism and community outreach.

Franklin has expanded the ministry’s work to include the My Hope America initiative, which encourages individuals to share the message of Jesus in their homes and communities, leveraging media and personal relationships to make faith more accessible. He also led the development of the Franklin Graham Festivals, which are designed to reach thousands of people in cities across the globe with the message of the gospel.

Political Activism and Public Statements

Over the years, Franklin Graham has become a vocal figure in the American political landscape, often aligning with conservative Christian values. He has been an outspoken advocate for issues like religious freedom, pro-life policies, and traditional marriage. His political statements and support for various candidates, including backing Donald Trump during the 2016 U.S. Presidential election, have sometimes sparked controversy, but they have also cemented his influence among conservative Christians in the United States.

His outspoken nature has led to both support and criticism, especially regarding his views on same-sex marriage, Islam, and other socially sensitive topics. Despite the controversy, he continues to use his platform to advocate for Christian values in the public sphere.

Author and Media Presence

Franklin Graham has written several books, many of which focus on his personal faith journey, his humanitarian work, and his perspectives on Christianity in modern society. Notable books include:

“Rebel With a Cause” (2007), which details his early life and struggles, and how he ultimately found his calling.
“Through My Father’s Eyes” (2006), in which he reflects on his relationship with his father, Billy Graham, and the lessons he learned from him.

Franklin is also a frequent speaker and media presence, appearing on various television and radio programs, including his own show, “Franklin Graham: The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association”. Through his platform, Franklin has continued to advocate for spreading the message of Christ globally.

Legacy and Influence

Franklin Graham’s career has been marked by both his commitment to continuing his father’s evangelistic legacy and his own bold initiatives in ministry and humanitarian work. He has overseen the expansion of Samaritan’s Purse into a leading global humanitarian force while also serving as the public face of BGEA, ensuring the family name remains synonymous with Christian outreach and service.

Franklin’s impact is felt not only in the lives of individuals who have attended his crusades or received aid through his charity work, but also in his ability to influence a generation of Christians who see him as a model of faith-driven activism. His work continues to inspire new generations to serve others and share their faith, making a lasting impact on the global Christian community.

Franklin Graham Age

Franklin Graham was born on July 14, 1952. He celebrates his birthday every year on July 14. As of 2025, he is 73 years old.

Franklin Graham Family

Franklin comes from a deeply rooted Christian family. His father, Billy Graham, was one of the most influential evangelists of the 20th century. His mother, Ruth Bell Graham, was the daughter of missionaries to China and a respected author and speaker. Franklin grew up with four siblings: Virginia, Anne, Ruth, and Ned. His sister, Anne Graham Lotz, is also a well-known evangelist and author.

Franklin Graham Wife

Franklin Graham married Jane Austin Cunningham in 1974. Jane has supported his ministry for decades and maintains a relatively private life. Together, they have focused on raising a Christian family and participating in humanitarian efforts around the globe.

Franklin Graham Children

Jane Graham and Franklin have four children, all of whom are actively involved in Christian ministry or nonprofit work:

Will Graham – Will serves as an evangelist with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, continuing the family legacy. He has preached in over 40 countries and leads evangelistic outreaches across the globe. He also oversees The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, NC.
Roy Austin Graham – Roy Austin maintains a lower profile but has been involved in Christian business ventures and supports ministry initiatives behind the scenes.
Edward Bell Graham – Edward, the youngest son, serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Samaritan’s Purse. A former Army Ranger, Edward served multiple tours in the Middle East before joining the family ministry full-time.
Celenna Graham – Franklin’s daughter, Celenna, lives a private life and has stayed mostly out of the public spotlight, though she supports ministry efforts alongside the family.

Franklin Graham Net Worth

Franklin Graham has an estimated net worth of $10 million. His income comes primarily from leadership roles in BGEA and Samaritan’s Purse, as well as from book royalties and speaking engagements. He has consistently ranked among the most influential Christian leaders in the U.S.

Franklin Graham Salary

Franklin Graham earns a combined annual salary of over $600,000, with reports indicating approximately $300,000 from Samaritan’s Purse and $300,000 from BGEA. Though this has drawn criticism in the past, both organizations defend the compensation based on his workload and leadership responsibilities.

Franklin Graham Books

Franklin Graham has written several books that blend personal testimony with Christian teaching. Some of his most well-known titles include:

Rebel With a Cause – A memoir detailing his rebellious youth and spiritual transformation.
Living Beyond the Limits – Encouragement for walking by faith in a world full of uncertainty.
The Name – A powerful book on the authority and importance of the name of Jesus.
Through My Father’s Eyes – A tribute to the legacy of Billy Graham, co-written with Donna Lee Toney.

Franklin Graham Fun Facts and Trivia

Third-Generation Evangelist: Franklin continues the legacy of Christian evangelism as the son of Billy Graham and father of Will Graham.
Former Rebel: Before his conversion, Franklin rode motorcycles, skipped classes, and lived on the edge, rejecting the faith he now preaches.
Close Ties to Politics: He frequently advises conservative political leaders and has prayed at presidential inaugurations and national events.
Disaster Response Leader: Under his leadership, Samaritan’s Purse responds to over 100 disasters each year, including hurricanes, earthquakes, and wars.
Pilot Skills: Franklin is a licensed pilot and often flies to disaster zones or remote mission fields personally.
Faith and Adventure: He has traveled to over 100 countries, delivering aid, preaching the gospel, and training local leaders.