Charles Finney, born in Warren, Connecticut (USA), emerged as one of the greatest American evangelists, credited with igniting the Second Great Awakening in the United States, leading over 500,000 people to find God.

Raised far from the Gospel, Finney pursued a career in law and even acquired a Bible solely to study the Law of Moses within its pages. As he delved into the Scriptures to understand the context of these laws, he initially felt ashamed and concealed his fervent reading. His pride and fear of societal judgment, especially the fear of “what will others say,” became significant obstacles on his path to salvation.

However, everything changed for Finney when he experienced a profound conversion in 1821. From that moment on, he no longer harbored any fear of openly reading the Bible or praying in public. A remarkable preacher was about to be born.

Recognizing his gift for proclaiming the Gospel, Finney wholeheartedly devoted himself to God. He took the necessary steps to entrust his legal clients to capable colleagues and began organizing his first evangelistic meetings and prayer gatherings.

Given the prevailing circumstances of the time, Finney required a pastor by his side to facilitate his public speaking. Determined to assume this role himself, he chose to forgo the traditional theological path, considering it redundant. Instead, he enlisted the guidance of mentor pastors and pursued independent study. When he finally received his “preacher’s license,” it was more a political formality than anything else. Nevertheless, it granted him the official capacity to preach.

As an itinerant preacher, Finney traveled from town to town, witnessing an ever-increasing number of conversions wherever he went. However, his uncompromising and stern preaching style garnered official criticism. Undeterred, he remained obedient to God’s calling, disregarding the opinions of others.

His sermons were impassioned and direct, never shying away from confronting his listeners, regardless of their status. While he readily spoke of God’s grace, he never overlooked the importance of genuine conversion and sincere repentance. Finney also emphasized the necessity of studying the Bible diligently, regardless of one’s level of education. He firmly believed that God had provided all the rules to follow through Scripture and adamantly warned against the perilous consequences of misguided innovations within churches.

Finney’s journey as an itinerant preacher spanned many years, and it was only in his later years, weakened and ailing, that he settled as a pastor in New York and a professor of theology.