Dr. Monroe Parker was a Baptist evangelist, pastor, educator, college president, and general director of a mission board.
Born June 23, 1909, in Thomasville, Alabama, Parker grew up in a religious home in Edgewood and Chillicothe, Texas. He attended Birmingham Southern College in 1927. Despite his religious upbringing Parker “dropped the pretense of religion,” played football, and lived a life “frolicking, drinking, dancing, and running around with a wild gang.” Students at a rival college caught him in a prank and shaved his head, nicknaming him “Monk,” a name that stuck with him throughout his evangelistic career.
A Life of Service
At the age of 19, Parker converted while attending a Methodist church. He gave his first sermon on March 7, 1929, where ten people came forward to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. After serving five years as a full-time evangelist, Parker went to Bob Jones College as an educator and became director of religious activities. In 1949, he dedicated his time to full-time evangelism, and then in 1957, he was elected as the first resident President of Pillsbury Baptist Bible College, and the school grew to hundreds of students.
Parker became general director of Baptist World Mission (BWM) in 1969 when the mission board was deep in debt and poorly managed. Through his careful leadership, he brought the mission to solvency. Parker conducted hundreds of evangelistic campaigns during his illustrious career and preached in numerous high schools, colleges, Bible institutes, and seminaries. In addition, he was an educator in Bibles colleges and seminaries and organized an association of independent Baptist churches in Alabama. Parker also served as president of the Minnesota Baptist Convention.
One of the sublime truths revealed in the Bible is that Jesus Christ is coming back to this world. Yes, our Lord Jesus, who was crucified, dead and buried, and who arose from the dead and sits at the right hand of God the Father making intercession for us, is coming back. That is not just a speculation, no empty dream, but a truth revealed by the out-breathed promises of the Almighty and omniscient God.” – Dr. Monroe Parker
Parker was known to serve in the first rank of fundamentalist evangelists of his time. He became a mentor of John R. Himes, a missionary and professor of ancient languages. In Himes’ biography, “Memories of Parker,” Himes called Parker the “best balance of knowledge and zeal” he had ever encountered. Himes noted that Parker’s Greek New Testament was “worn to a frazzle” and that when he preached on Hell, Parker would first discuss all the Greek and Hebrew words translated “hell” in the Bible before launching into an evangelistic message. Parker went to be with the Lord on July 17, 1994.
Timeless Message
Parker preached his message entitled “The Love of God,” which was video recorded in 1975. We hope you enjoy this classic sermon from a great preacher of times past.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPbVVDUSaX4
Dr. Monroe Parker: The “Monk” Evangelist Related Articles
==> Also read “Blaise Pascal and the Fiery Night.”
==> And read “Finding Salvation by W.D. Pitton.”