Charles Grandison Finney: The Father of Modern Revivalism
Charles Grandison Finney: The Father of Modern Revivalism
Charles Grandison Finney (1792–1875) was an American Presbyterian minister, theologian, and leader of the Second Great Awakening. Known as the “Father of Modern Revivalism,” Finney revolutionized evangelism with innovative methods that emphasized personal responsibility, social reform, and direct appeals for conversion.

Early Life
- Born: August 29, 1792, in Warren, Connecticut, USA.
- Finney grew up in a modest farming family and received minimal formal education.
- Initially trained in law, he experienced a profound spiritual conversion in 1821 that led him to pursue ministry instead of a legal career.
Ministry and Revivalism
- Ordination: Finney was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1824.
- He quickly gained a reputation as a dynamic and passionate preacher, capable of stirring large crowds and prompting immediate decisions for Christ.
Key Contributions:
- Innovative Revival Techniques:
- Introduced “new measures,” including public altar calls for immediate conversion and the use of “anxious benches” for those seeking salvation.
- Advocated for emotional, engaging sermons that directly appealed to the conscience.
- Emphasis on Personal Responsibility:
- Preached that individuals had the free will to accept or reject salvation, challenging Calvinist doctrines of predestination.
- Encouraged practical steps toward faith, making Christianity accessible and actionable.
- Social Reform:
- Finney believed that true conversion should lead to moral and societal transformation.
- Championed abolitionism, women’s rights, and temperance, intertwining faith with social justice.
- Revival Leadership:
- Led revivals across New York, earning the region the nickname “Burned-Over District” due to its spiritual fervor.
- His revivals were characterized by fervent prayer, powerful preaching, and significant community impact.
Academic and Leadership Roles
- President of Oberlin College:
Finney served as the second president of Oberlin College in Ohio from 1851 to 1866. Under his leadership, Oberlin became a hub for abolitionist activity and the first American college to admit both women and Black students.

Legacy and Impact
- Evangelical Influence:
- Finney’s methods and theology laid the foundation for modern evangelism and revivalism, influencing figures like Dwight L. Moody and Billy Graham.
- Social Justice Advocacy:
- His integration of faith and social reform set a precedent for Christian activism in issues such as slavery and inequality.
- Publications:
- Finney authored numerous works, including his famous “Lectures on Revivals of Religion” (1835), which became a cornerstone of revivalist theology.
- Theological Contributions:
- Advocated for a theology of moral government, emphasizing God’s justice and the believer’s responsibility to live righteously.
Personal Life
- Family: Finney married Lydia Root Andrews in 1824, who supported his ministry until her death in 1847. He remarried twice, to Elizabeth Ford Atkinson in 1848 and Rebecca Allen Rayl in 1865.
- Death: Finney passed away on August 16, 1875, in Oberlin, Ohio.
Key Lessons from Finney’s Life
- Personal Conversion Sparks Change:
Finney’s life demonstrates how a single transformative encounter with God can impact millions. - Faith in Action:
True faith should lead to personal and societal transformation. - Adaptability in Ministry:
Finney’s innovative approaches to evangelism underscore the importance of meeting people where they are.
Charles G. Finney remains a towering figure in Christian history, remembered for his bold evangelism, commitment to social justice, and enduring impact on American revivalism.