A Time For Kneelers

Have you ever heard of a man named Wallie Amos Criswell? He was born in 1909 in the dust bowl town of Eldorado, Oklahoma. He was raised in poverty and obscurity. However, in time, he would become the most famous and influential Baptist preacher in America. His exuberant pulpit presentations and his passionate ministerial personality caused many to attempt to imitate his unique style.

To the surprise of many Criswell was hired in 1944 by a prestigious Dallas church to succeed George W. Truett. In his first sermon he promised that their greatest days were yet to come. He was innovative. They built one of the first centers for family activities. His church was concerned with outreach and educational ministries. He preached through the Bible book by book. He took a positive stance on the inerrancy of scripture. Then in the 60's their church experienced division. Unhealthy cliques were starting - gossip and slander became the norm. It was at this time W. A. Criswell called up the man in charge of finances and ordered him to get kneelers placed in their sanctuary by Sunday morning. (Just to let you know kneelers normally are not found in protestant auditoriums.) When Sunday arrived Criswell climbed to his pulpit and exposed their selfish divisive spirit and called everyone to kneel and pray until the situation was solved.

My dad was well acquainted with Criswell. They were members together at the downtown YMCA. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall when the two of them got together. Two men with the profound understanding of the power of prayer and a time for kneelers!

February 17, 2010