George Whitefield: From School Dropout to Open-Air Evangelist
This is an electronic version of our Glimpses for Kids children's worship bulletin inserts.
These are designed to present Christian biographies for Children's church, educational or worship ministries. Skipping School
My mother came at me with an angry look. "George, I hear you've been missing
school again."
 George
Whitefield
I looked away, trying not to let her see my guilt. Mother thought that
getting me an education at the St. Mary de Crypt Grammar School was the
answer to our money troubles. She had worked hard to keep our family's
inn operating, especially since my father died when I was two. But at
15 years old, all I could think of was quitting school. Finally I told
her, "Mother, I just want to quit school and work in the inn."
"But I thought you enjoyed giving presentations at school!"
"I do, Mother. I like acting and making up scenes. I love to give speeches
that the other students enjoy, but you know how the teachers feel. They
don't like me at all."
It was true. Mother couldn't deny what the teachers said about me. "George
Whitefield is wasting his time. What good can come from all his playacting?"
they asked.
Finally my mother gave in. "Alright, George. You may leave school."
A New Opportunity
For almost two years, I wore an apron, washed cups, and cleaned rooms,
while enjoying lively conversations with the customers. Most of them didn't
believe in God, and I joined in their discussions. No one would have guessed
that late into the night, I often sat up studying my Bible. As the weeks
passed, I began to sense a new calling, one that would surprise those
who knew me. One night as the last customers lingered to play cards, I
sat by my mother in front of the roaring fire and shared my private dream.
"Mother, I'd like to become a preacher."
Her faded eyes lit up with joy. "That is wonderful, George!" But then
she reminded me of the challenges I would face, "It won't be easy to finish
your education since you dropped out of school."
A man interrupted our conversation. "Hey, woman! I need a room."
As my mother left to tend the counter, I felt her hand on my shoulder.
"Don't worry, son. God will make a way."
And He did. Through extra hours at the inn and careful spending, I was
able to work my way through Pembroke College at Oxford University. It
was there that I met John and Charles Wesley and decided to live a life
of sacrifice and obedience to God. I really wanted to know God and be
assured of salvation, but even strict discipline didn't seem to help.
Finally, I read a book called Life of God in the Soul of Man, by
Henry Scougal. I learned that good works and self-discipline couldn't
save my soul. Salvation is a free gift. I needed to be "born again"! Finally,
I was sure of my salvation, and I couldn't wait to share the good news
with the people of England.
 I
was disappointed with what I saw in the English churches. People's hearts
had grown cold. They went to church out of obligation, not because they
wanted to learn about God and worship Him. Also, many of the ministers
of my Anglican Church tended to preach dry, dull sermons. When I finally
became an ordained pastor, I set out to deliver the Gospel in fresh ways,
using that old flair for the dramatic from school days. Sometimes this
involved shouting and dancing. How could I stand still when telling people,
"You must be born again"? Once in a while I wept, but it was no show.
People were living hopelessly apart from Christ, and their dilemma moved
me to tears. Needless to say, my style didn't always go over very well.
"Mr. Whitefield," I heard more than once, "if you are to preach in my
church, you must tone it down."
"Don't be so loud."
 "Don't
flail about so much."
"What do you mean by all that prancing?"
How could I stop being energized about Christ and the salvation he offers
to lost people? There was, however, a price to pay for my zeal. I couldn't
get a job in a church, since most churches wouldn't have me. Fortunately,
God had a different plan.
Find out how Whitefield began preaching out of
doors in part 2 of this "Glimpses for Kids" children's worship
bulletin insert.
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