Updated on October 1, 2025 by Connie Thomson
Several years ago, I stumbled upon the transformative words of George Whitefield. He was a pivotal figure in the Great Awakening of the 18th century. His name is pronounced “Whit-field,” a detail I want to mention.
Whitefield’s sermons and teachings captivated thousands, and his passion for evangelism continues to inspire believers today. I found myself deeply moved by the power of his quotes, which offer wisdom and guidance in one’s spiritual journey.
As we explore quotes by George Whitefield, we uncover the depth of his insights and the enduring impact of his legacy.
George Whitefield Quotes on Evangelism
Here are 10 evangelism quotes that sum up Whitefield’s views and his constant sense of urgency to share the gospel. Below these quotes, you will find more information about George Whitefield and his ministry in the 18th century.
- “God forbid that I should travel with anybody a quarter of an hour without speaking of Christ to them.”
- “Whoever reads the gospel with a single eye, and sincere intentions, will find, that our blessed Lord took all opportunities of reminding his disciples that His Kingdom was not of this world; that His doctrine was a doctrine of the Cross; and that their professing themselves to be His followers, would call them to a constant state of voluntary suffering and self-denial.”
- “I believe I never was more acceptable to my Master than when I was standing to teach those hearers in the open fields. I now preach to ten times more people than I would if I had been confined to the churches.”
- “There is not a thing on the face of the earth that I abhor so much as idleness or idle people.”
- “A true faith in Jesus Christ will not suffer us to be idle. No, it is an active, lively, restless principle; it fills the heart, so that it cannot be easy ’til it is doing something for Jesus Christ.”
- “I am tired in the Lord’s work, but not tired of it.”
- “And now let me address all of you, high and low, rich and poor, one with another, to accept of mercy and grace while it is offered to you; Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation; and will you not accept it, now it is offered unto you?”
- “Other men may preach the gospel better than I, but no man can preach a better gospel.”
- “If your souls were not immortal, and you in danger of losing them, I would not thus speak unto you; but the love of your souls constrains me to speak: methinks this would constrain me to speak unto you forever.”
- “What! Get to heaven on your own strength? Why, you might as well try to climb to the moon on a rope of sand!”
Whitefield’s Beginning Ministry
When George Whitefield attended Pembroke College, he befriended John and Charles Wesley. John and Charles Wesley were 18th-century brothers who led the Methodist revival. John was a powerful preacher, while Charles wrote thousands of hymns that shaped Christian worship worldwide.
These three men together shook up the 18th century. Whitefield traveled to America, and in 1740 kicked off a revival whose effect was so widely felt that historians call it the “Great Awakening.”
What Was George Whitefield Known For?
Whitefield became known for his open-air preaching and evangelism style. He was highly skilled at grabbing and holding even the toughest crowds’ attention.
In Philadelphia, a town with a population of around 12,000 people, Whitefield audiences were known to number 8,000-12,000. It is difficult to grasp the magnitude of his influence.
He is not well-known for being a great thinker or theologian. His fame was born from his singular drive and conviction to share the gospel as often as he could wherever he went.
By stepping away from traditional church settings, Whitefield’s outdoor sermons reached a wider audience. This expanded the reach of his message. And even now, centuries later, believers around the world continue to be inspired by George Whitefield quotes.
His legacy is evident in modern evangelical movements that prioritize personal evangelism and church-based evangelism. Quotes by George Whitefield continue to resonate, reminding us of his profound impact on Christianity and evangelism today.
Whitefield’s ministry also has an ongoing impact on evangelistic preaching around the world.
George Whitefield’s Evangelistic Travels
His life was one of constant travel. Consider this itinerary in a time when the journey from America to England took about two weeks:
- 1738: Travels from England to America and back
- 1739: He travels around America seven times preaching to crowds upward of 20,000 people. He sails to Scotland and tours the nation 15 times
- 1740: Establishes an orphanage in Georgia
- 1741: Travels from South Carolina to England
- 1744: Sails from England to New Hampshire
- 1748: Travels from America, to Bermuda, to England
- 1751: Travels from England to Georgia
- 1752: Sails back to England
- 1754: Travels back to South Carolina from England
- 1755: Sails back to England
- 1763: Sails from England to Virginia
- 1765:Travels back to England
- 1769: Sails from England to South Carolina
You don’t keep up that kind of crazy schedule unless you’re on a mission, and Whitefield was. This was a man who was known to say, “I would rather wear out than rust out.”
His dynamic preaching style drew massive crowds and played a crucial role in the Great Awakening, sparking religious revivals across Britain and America.
Whitefield’s outdoor sermons reached a wider audience. This expanded the reach of his message.
The sermons of George Whitefield emphasized the necessity of being ‘born again,’ fostering a personal relationship with God through transformative faith experiences.
He passed away after a life full of street preaching in Newbury Port, Massachusetts in 1770. His legacy lives on in street preachers across the globe today. George Whitefield quotes breathe life into evangelistic believers.
Applying These Quotes to Our Lives
Keith Darrell is a campus preacher who was motivated by George Whitefield. He now preaches on campuses around the US. Keith’s ministry was fanned into flame as he studied George Whitefield’s life and persistent impact on the church.
Having been inspired by the life of George Whitefield, consider learning more about the meaning of evangelism. You can even look into what type of evangelism is the best for you as an individual.
