Harry A. Ironside Short Bio
Harry A. Ironside was a prominent preacher known for his impactful ministry and contributions to fundamentalism and Christian literature.
Harry A. Ironside, a prominent preacher from 1876 to 1951, emphasized that the great truths that challenge the natural man are the very foundations of the spiritual man's confidence. His diverse ministry included roles as a captain in the Salvation Army, an itinerant preacher, and pastor of Moody Memorial Church, where he served for 18.5 years without formal ordination. Known for his warm and impactful preaching, Ironside filled the church to capacity and traveled extensively, averaging 40 weeks on the road each year. Despite limited formal education, his remarkable intellect earned him the title 'Archbishop of Fundamentalism,' and he authored numerous books and articles on biblical themes. Ironside passed away in 1951 in New Zealand, leaving a lasting legacy in Christian ministry.
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Harry A. Ironside
1876 - 1951
"Great truths that are stumbling blocks to the natural man are nevertheless the very foundations upon which the confidence of the spiritual man is built."
Few preachers had more varied ministries than this man. He was a captain in the Salvation Army, an itinerant preacher with the Plymouth Brethren, pastor of the renowned Moody Memorial Church in Chicago, and conducted Bible conferences throughout the world. Sandwiched between those major ministries, Ironside preached the Gospel on street corners, in missions, in taverns, on Indian reservations, etc.
Never formally ordained and with no experience whatever as a pastor, Ironside took over the 4,000-seat Moody Memorial Church in Chicago and often filled it to capacity for 18 1/2 years. A seminary president once said of him, "He has the most unique ministry of any man living." Although he had little formal education, his tremendous mental capacity and photographic memory caused him to be called the "Archbishop of Fundamentalism."
Preaching--warm, soul-saving preaching--was his forte. Special speakers in his great church often meant nothing; the crowds came when he was there. He traveled constantly at his prime, he averaged 40 weeks in the year on the road--always returning to Moody Memorial for Sunday services.
His pen moved, too; he contributed regularly to various religious periodicals and journals in addition to publishing 80 books and pamphlets. His writings included addresses or commentaries on the entire New Testament, all of the prophetic books of the Old Testament, and a great many volumes on specific Bible themes and subjects.
In 1951, Dr. Ironside died in Cambridge, New Zealand, and was buried there at his own request.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - '{''A'': ''Overview of his life and ministry'', ''B'': ''Significance in Christian preaching'', ''C'': ''Impact on fundamentalism''}' - Introduction to Harry A. Ironside
- II points: - '{''A'': ''Role in the Salvation Army'', ''B'': ''Itinerant preaching with the Plymouth Brethren'', ''C'': ''Pastorship at Moody Memorial Church''}' - Varied Ministries
- III points: - '{''A'': ''Lack of formal ordination'', ''B'': ''High capacity for memory and learning'', ''C'': ''Reputation as the ''Archbishop of Fundamentalism''''}' - Unique Characteristics
- IV points: - '{''A'': ''Warm and soul-saving preaching'', ''B'': ''Popularity and attendance at Moody Memorial'', ''C'': ''Contribution to religious literature''}' - Preaching Style and Influence
- V points: - '{''A'': ''Death in Cambridge, New Zealand'', ''B'': ''Burial at his own request'', ''C'': ''Enduring influence on future generations''}' - Legacy and Death
Key Quotes
“Great truths that are stumbling blocks to the natural man are nevertheless the very foundations upon which the confidence of the spiritual man is built.” — Harry Ironside
“He has the most unique ministry of any man living.” — Harry Ironside
“Preaching--warm, soul-saving preaching--was his forte.” — Harry Ironside
Application Points
- Embrace the call to serve in diverse ministries, just as Ironside did.
- Value the power of warm and heartfelt preaching to reach souls.
- Recognize that formal education is not the only path to impactful ministry.