that decision for a couple of years, because I wanted to pursue
preaching.” The financial uncertainties of relying on the “love
offerings” given to traveling evangelists was also a deterrent.
But eventually, after praying and weighing all the factors, “the
Lord told me, ‘Do the music for Billy and whatever has to be done,
and I’ll take care of the preaching opportunities,’” remembers
Cliff. “When we made that decision, the peace of God came into
my mind and heart. I went to him in Philadelphia on an early
morning and said, ‘Bill, you know the struggle we’ve had about
whether we join your team, and the Lord has given us peace in
our hearts. As long as you want us to, I’ll be content to be your
song leader, carry your bag, go anywhere, do anything you want
me to do.’”
Cliff recalls that Graham said, “May we serve together until
the Lord returns, or until one of us is called home to heaven.”
Cliff’s decision marked the beginning of a remarkable team,
two men who recognized that their strengths were complemen-
tary rather than competitive. Together they could accomplish
more than either could alone.
It has often been said that a person who would lead must
first learn to follow. Cliff Barrows pushed aside his own early
dreams seeking a greater good, and he did so enthusiastically.
Dallas businessman Fred Smith, who early in Billy’s career led
the singing in some of his meetings, told us about a music min-
ister who was fired because he kept expanding his worship
music, encroaching more and more on sermon time. In contrast,
“Cliff Barrows, even in the smallest meetings,” Fred said,
“started right on time. He has a sense of broadcast and telecast;
he knows how ingredients fit into a total program. For years I’ve
watched Cliff during Billy’s sermons. He’s the most intense lis-
tener in the whole stadium.”
Cliff, in saying to Billy, “I’ll carry your bag, go anywhere,”
committed himself unreservedly. Yet team roles are not always
comfortable. Once, someone taunted Grady Wilson, “Grady, how
does it feel to be a caddy for Billy?” Surely Grady felt some sting
at such moments, but he knew being part of an effective team
Forming the Team