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Christian Heroes: Then & Now #37
D.L. Moody: Bringing Souls to Christ
Seventeen-year-old Dwight Lyman Moody changed his name, moved to Boston, and began pursuing dreams of becoming a wealthy businessman. But God had other plans for him. Instead of business, evangelism would be his life's work. D.L. devoted his life to proclaiming the gospel, serving the poor, and mentoring fellow ministers.
A leader of great vision, D.L. Moody served his fellow man through Civil War outreach, his Sunday school and church, and revival campaigns in America and abroad. His passion for bringing souls to Christ continues to be felt today in Christian education and ministry everywhere (1837-1899).
A leader of great vision, D.L. Moody served his fellow man through Civil War outreach, his Sunday school and church, and revival campaigns in America and abroad. His passion for bringing souls to Christ continues to be felt today in Christian education and ministry everywhere (1837-1899).
191 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2011
23 people are currently reading
440 people want to read
About the author
Janet Benge
176 books315 followersJanet and Geoff Benge are a husband and wife writing team with twenty years of writing experience. They are best known for the books in the two series Christian Heroes: Then & Now series and Heroes of History. Janet is a former elementary school teacher. Geoff holds a degree in history. Together they have a passion to make history come alive for a new generation. Originally from New Zealand, the Benges make their home in the Orlando, Florida, area.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 23, 2025
A very popular American evangelist in the latter half of the 19th century, he raised money for what are now called the Moody Church and the Moody Bible Institute. His first act was to get the poorest children of Chicago to attend Sunday school with a hard piece of candy as a bribery. He was so successful that newly elected President Lincoln visited the kids. He went on to other projects. Dwight D Eisenhower was named after him. A famous quote was that “Faith made everything possible… Love made everything easy.”
December 8, 2014
Great book for a brief overview of Moody's life. Spurred me on to read another book on the subject for a more in depth look.
March 10, 2021
This is a good book. It brings light to one of the best preachers of the Christian movement.
July 10, 2021
This book was awesome. It was a little slow for our little guys, so they got a little squirrely, and we had to do some retraining, but it was too good for us to put down, and to be fair our oldest picked up another in the series to read on her own, so they are also just buttheads.
D.L. is certainly an inspiration for evangelism. His travels and works were remarkable, and how he spread the gospel is nothing short of amazing.
What I found the most interesting was the seeds of the modern church, and how a lot of what he started is continued today, and has fallen completely apart.
I've seen churches go out of their way to get people into their buildings, similar to D.L. bribing children with candy. Except eventually he connected with their parents or gave them brief moments away from their horrible situations. Today's church is too busy playing the number game instead of seeking to help kids in their situations. I've seen them taken to VBS practically against their parents wishes, only doing it because grandma will give them a ride, make them a lunch, and provide the babysitting for them.
D.L. was also constantly building (and rebuilding) huge churches. At the time he was speaking 3 times a day, 7 days a week, to capacity crowds of several thousands. Now, giant buildings sit empty most of the week and churches can hardly wait to build something even bigger.
D.L. also spoke from the heart, was not a bible scholar, and connected with people on a personal level. Today's sermons are feel-good messages where we tell people they are doing great and hardly even expect the bare minimum out of them. Where D.L. spoke with God's words, most preachers today are too worried about keeping people from getting offended.
D.L. is the precursor to the modern "mega" church, or simply the modern "new-age" church. At the time, D.L. used it to wonderful effect and brought thousands to Christ (it is worth questioning how strong some of these new converts were in their theology), but in modern times it has become lazy. It is interesting to see where a lot of this has started; it would be wise for the church to look past modern techniques.
When 90% (and that's a conservative number) of kids turn away from their faith by the time they are 18, something isn't working.
I also recommend 50 People Every Christian Should Know by Warren Wiersbe.
D.L. is certainly an inspiration for evangelism. His travels and works were remarkable, and how he spread the gospel is nothing short of amazing.
What I found the most interesting was the seeds of the modern church, and how a lot of what he started is continued today, and has fallen completely apart.
I've seen churches go out of their way to get people into their buildings, similar to D.L. bribing children with candy. Except eventually he connected with their parents or gave them brief moments away from their horrible situations. Today's church is too busy playing the number game instead of seeking to help kids in their situations. I've seen them taken to VBS practically against their parents wishes, only doing it because grandma will give them a ride, make them a lunch, and provide the babysitting for them.
D.L. was also constantly building (and rebuilding) huge churches. At the time he was speaking 3 times a day, 7 days a week, to capacity crowds of several thousands. Now, giant buildings sit empty most of the week and churches can hardly wait to build something even bigger.
D.L. also spoke from the heart, was not a bible scholar, and connected with people on a personal level. Today's sermons are feel-good messages where we tell people they are doing great and hardly even expect the bare minimum out of them. Where D.L. spoke with God's words, most preachers today are too worried about keeping people from getting offended.
D.L. is the precursor to the modern "mega" church, or simply the modern "new-age" church. At the time, D.L. used it to wonderful effect and brought thousands to Christ (it is worth questioning how strong some of these new converts were in their theology), but in modern times it has become lazy. It is interesting to see where a lot of this has started; it would be wise for the church to look past modern techniques.
When 90% (and that's a conservative number) of kids turn away from their faith by the time they are 18, something isn't working.
I also recommend 50 People Every Christian Should Know by Warren Wiersbe.
February 12, 2026
Born 1837 in Massachusetts. Founded North Market Hall Sunday School, Illinois Street Independent Church, Northfield School for Girls, and Chicago Bible Institute. President of Chicago YMCA. Evangelistic tours in Great Britain. Initially taught mostly just about sinners going to hell until he actually started studying the Bible. Then he taught more about God's love, but he always kept it practical and down-to-earth, reaching the people who felt out of place in church and even bribing street children with candy to come to Sunday school. 3 children. Died 1899 in Massachusetts.
October 24, 2021
A shoe salesman who had a heart for people to know Christ. He started by luring children from the slums of Chicago to Sunday School with rock candy. He didn’t believe he could preach or teach but God transformed him. He preached to millions and left quite a legacy of schools, publishing companies, etc.
One of the tearjerker moments is when his mother finally accepted Christ at one of his meetings when she is 70 years old.
One of the tearjerker moments is when his mother finally accepted Christ at one of his meetings when she is 70 years old.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2019
I always wanted to learn about DL Moody and I found this book as part of our churches summer reading program. It’s easy to understand and hits some of the major points of a life that is both extraordinary and touched so many. I highly recommend this book to anyone (child or adult) wanting to know about the life of DL Moody.
September 12, 2025
Een ongelooflijk inspirerend en boeiend verhaal over D.L. Moody's leven en impact. Dit boek is perfect voor iedereen die meer wil weten over zijn cruciale rol in de kerkgeschiedenis en zijn onwankelbare toewijding en persoonlijke groei in zijn genade en omgang met Christus om zielen naar Hem te leiden. Een absolute aanrader!
March 30, 2023
Great for kids. Could have used more meat. It felt like a lot was left out and it was a lot of "then he went here, then there, then..."
It felt like a nice overview of his life and gave me an idea of who he was.
It felt like a nice overview of his life and gave me an idea of who he was.
May 15, 2017
Read this aloud to eldest. Fascinating story about a man who had a passionate heart for people and apparently a really gifted speaker.
March 13, 2020
2020 Book 11
December 26, 2020
Really enjoyed the life of DL Moody!
The writing was ok but the story was fantastic! Loved reading about the life of this great follower of Jesus!
The writing was ok but the story was fantastic! Loved reading about the life of this great follower of Jesus!
May 30, 2023
Wonderful family read aloud!
January 30, 2024
Great book! Great read! All glory be to God.
April 26, 2024
Great short summary of the life of a great man. DL Moody loved people and wanted to share Christ’s love with them. He shared this love all over America and the UK and was very well respected.
June 8, 2024
Remarkable!
October 28, 2024
Another good biography in this series
June 10, 2025
Very influential life testimony!
August 2, 2025
Nice light overview of the life of D. L. Moody.
August 31, 2025
Great story about an amazing evangelist!
October 15, 2025
Fascinating
January 30, 2026
Great testimonies of Dwight L Moody during the 1800s
February 16, 2026
4* Audio
June 5, 2025
This book discusses the life and conversion of American evangelist, D.L. Moody.
The book was read by Tim Gregory.
The book was read by Tim Gregory.
November 26, 2016
Listening to this audiobook is a great way to learn of the life of D.L. Moody, one of the greatest Christian leaders of America whose influence is still felt from his ministry, mainly because of Moody Bible Institute and Moody Church in Chicago. From humble beginnings, Moody left home to seek his fortune. Instead he found the Lord and spent the rest of his life enthusiastically spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to the poor, the Civil War soldier, the citizens of America, England, Ireland and Scotland.
August 19, 2016
D.L. Moody is such an amazing servant of the Lord, but this telling of his story is not the best. These books are typically 15-16 chapters long, and it's hard to fit all that he did into that. I still think it's a good book to read, especially to children. I would love to read more about him. So I'm open for suggestions of other biographies written about him.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews