Â鶹APP

Top 20 Facts about Greg Laurie

*Originally published by Charity K on November 2019 and Updated by Vanessa R on June 12th 2023

He is an American evangelical author, pastor, and evangelist who serves as the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship based in Riverside, California. Greg is the founder of Harvest Crusades, which is an evangelistic event that draws millions of people from around the world to hear the gospel, in Los Angeles. The 2023 film Jesus Revolution is based on Greg’s life and how he converted to Christianity.

Greg has written multiple books like Everday with Jesus and Tell Someone. He also speaks at churches and events across the United States as well as on radio and television broadcasts.

1. His Early Life and Education

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Greg was born on December 10, 1952. When Greg was younger, they moved to different locations like New Jersey and Hawaii. He was not raised in the Christian faith. When Greg was 17 years old, he became a devout Christian at Newport Harbor High School under the ministry of evangelist Lonnie Frisbee. By this time, he was working as a newspaper boy for the Daily Pilot in Orange County, California and that was how he knew about the ministry.

In 1973, Greg was under the mentorship of Calvary Chapel pastor Chuck Smith and was even given the opportunity to lead a Bible study of 30 people in Riverside, California. In the same year, he founded the Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside where he still serves as senior pastor.

2. The Growth of His Ministry

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Greg founded the Harvest Crusades, an organization that hosts large-scale evangelistic events around the U.S., in 1990. As the organization grew, he was given the opportunity to be in other organizations and associations. For example, Greg serves on the board of directors for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. In 2013, Greg served as the Honorary Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force.

In 2017, Greg was selected by President Donald Trump to participate in the National Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral with other evangelical church leaders. In the same year, his ministry, the Harvest Christian Fellowship, became a member of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Click here to read more about influential Christians.

3. The Harvest Home Fellowship

Due to COVID-19, the ministry began the online church program which became one of the most-watched internet worship in America. The program had over 200,000 viewers weekly during the pandemic. President Trump tweeted that he would be watching the Harvest at Home program on Palm Sunday 2020. The program hit a viewership of 1,300,000 people on that Sunday. 

It has been noted that the Harvest at Home program continues to be one of the most viewed online Church services in America post-pandemic. The program in 2023 has an average viewership of over 100,000.

4. Using Media As An Intercessory Tool

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Since he became the senior pastor of the Harvest Christian Fellowship, he has written over 70 books. Greg’s sermons are featured on the half-hour daily program A New Beginning which is broadcast on over 1,100 radio stations worldwide. A New Beginning is also featured as a Christian podcast available on iTunes. Greg is also a guest commentator at WorldNetDaily which appears regularly on the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

Read more about pastors who used media to preach here.

5. Movie Adaptation of Greg’s Life 

He published the autobiographical book Jesus Revolution in 2018, which was later adapted into a film in 2023. The film is also titled Jesus Revolution and is produced by Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate. The film depicts the life of Greg and his wife Cathe came to faith during the Jesus Movement in Southern California. The film was rated five stars and earned more than $51 million.

Read more about other Christian authors here.

6. His Life Outside The Ministry

Greg married his wife Catherine Martin in 1974. The couple had two sons Christopher and Jonathan as well as five grandchildren. The couple reside in Newport Beach. On July 24, 2008, Christopher died because of a car accident on the eastbound Riverside Freeway wast of Serfas Club Dive in Corona, California. 

7. Recognition for His Ministry and Addition to The Film Industry

Greg holds two honorary doctorates from Biola University and Azusa Pacific University. Greg has produced a total of five films namely Lost Boy, A Rush of Hope, Hope for Hurting Hearts, Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon, and Steve McQueen: American Icon. In 2023, he wrote and produced the autobiographical film Jesus Revolution. According to media sources, Greg is working on a seventh documentary about fame and faith. 

8. The Harvest Christian Fellowship

, , via Wikimedia Commons

In 2009, the church opened a new building with a 5,000-seat auditorium, a gymnasium, and a High School. In 2022, it was noted that the church has an attendance of 14,560 people and 4 campuses in different cities. It is a Baptist Evangelical megachurch based in Riverside, California.

The church is a member of the Calvary Chapel Association and the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its programs and international evangelization, the church has been able to reach many people over the years.

9. His Influence Towards The Younger Generation

Greg uses media as a way to get through to young people and share the word of Christ. His teachings are popular among younger people because he presents the Christain faith in a relatable and understandable way. He addresses topics like life struggles, purpose in life, and relationships. He organizes large-scale events like the Harvest Crusade which draws out thousands of youth. Greg has provided a platform for the younger generation to connect to their faith and find peace through his preachings.

Click here to read more about famous pastors.

10. Criticism and Backlash Over The Years

, , via Wikimedia Commons

In 2018, Greg faced backlash after he invited the Harvest Crusade to his church’s outreach event. The Harvest Crusades have been marked as a homophobic and anti-LGBTQ ministry. Greg has also been criticized for supporting political figures like Donald Trump whose policies and actions on race, immigration, and other issues have been controversial.

The Harvest Christian Fellowship has also faced accusations of financial mismanagement and abuse by staff members. 

11. He has an interesting podcast

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Laurie has always been a great speaker, so it is not surprising that he is able to hold discussions on his podcast “Greg Laurie Podcast”, the podcast is an amazing place to start especially for new believers and people who are looking to be inspired, there’s a lot of content on it as well.

The content is most educational while also quite relatable and easy to listen to. Since his content is motivational, if you’re feeling low you can definitely get something to boost you from here. 

12. He hosts an annual event known as “Harvest America”

“Harvest America,” an annual event held by Greg Laurie, has grown to become an important gathering for Christians all around the country. Live music, inspirational lectures, and a focus on evangelism all come together in this powerful event. “Harvest America” attempts to inspire Christians to share their beliefs and spread the gospel in their regions.

The event is usually quite big and they manage to get through to more people by using live simulcasts to connect to several locations and reach a large audience. The event always has an atmosphere of worship and inspiration and we guess many people leave feeling spiritually developed.

13. He is quite popular on social media

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Greg Laurie is quite popular on social media and he has used his social media to preach the word of God to believers and non-believers thanks to his interesting content and approachable attitude. On Facebook, Twitter and Instagram he usually offers daily encouragement and insights from his sermons and publications. 

He is known for engaging with his fans and also responding to comments on his social media presence. Laurie has been able to connect with a larger audience, inspiring and changing lives with his words of love, faith, and hope.

14. He has received several awards

Thanks to his major contributions to Christian ministry, Greg Laurie has received numerous honours and awards. His dedication and passion for spreading the gospel have won him a lot of admiration.

Laurie has received honours like the National Religious Broadcasters Board of Directors Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership and dedication in the field of Christian broadcasting. These honours are a testament to his major achievements, motivational speeches, and unwavering commitment to promoting the message of Jesus Christ.

15. He had a rebellious stage in his teen years

Just like any good preacher, Greg has a story. Laurie was once a teenage boy who struggled with authority and went through a phase of rebellion. As he was trying to create his own identity he lost his way but also found his own path at a Christian concert where he underwent a deep conversion that changes the course of his life as a result of a series of life events and interactions. 

16. His father was a set designer

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Laurie’s father was a set designer in Hollywood. He was in charge of creating surrounding for films that were visually appealing and realistic, which was obviously very different from what Greg went into. However, Greg was exposed to the creativity and expertise of filmmaking as a child which we could say has helped him hold creative events.

17. He started his ministry by starting Bible studies

Greg Laurie started holding informal Bible studies as part of his early ministry. He welcomed a group of people eager to learn more about the Bible’s teachings because he understood the value of studying and understanding God’s Word. People may gather, talk about their faith, and develop spiritually in these Bible studies.

The attendance at the Bible studies increased as word got out about how insightful and interesting these gatherings were. This early foundation of close-knit and engaging study sessions prepared the path for Laurie’s future ministry projects, opening the door for more substantial evangelistic events and the founding of Harvest Christian Fellowship.

18. His preaching style has been described as engaging

Greg has quite a following and it’s quite apparent that it’s because he’s able to draw in and connect with his audience thanks to his engaging style. Laurie’s sermon has been described as practical and easy to relate to because they help people understand and apply difficult theological topics. 

19. He’s quite the humanitarian

Greg Laurie is also well known for his charitable causes. He participates actively in programs that attempt to encourage and aid those in need in addition to his work in ministry. Laurie has worked with groups like Convoy of Hope, taking part in relief operations following natural disasters, and offering advice to those in difficult situations.

20. He likes painting

Greg likes painting as a way of expressing his creativity. He actually puts his own artwork into his ministry and utilized it to visually enhance his preaching and share his own views. 

Although he’s also faced a lot of controversy we could agree that there people who have benefited from his sermons and his ministry as well.