Brief History of Lonnie Frisbee, from the Jesus Revolution
The Millennium Project team works hard to create and portray characters that resonate with our readers. It is something we believe honors God’s storytelling methods. No other religious text shares its leaders’ faults as clearly as the Bible. We see their successes and profound failures—King David overcoming Goliath, and also turning his back on Uriah the Hittite. Today, I’d like to share a significant figure in what many call the greatest spiritual awakening in the United States.
Who Was Lonnie Frisbee?
Lonnie Ray Frisbee (June 6, 1949 – March 12, 1993) was an American evangelist and a pivotal figure in the Jesus Movement of the late 1960s and 1970s. Born in Costa Mesa, California, Frisbee grew up in a troubled home and sought meaning in the counterculture scene of Southern California. As a teenager, he experimented with drugs like LSD, searching for spiritual experiences.
At the age of 17, Frisbee had a profound conversion experience to Christianity. He began preaching to fellow hippies and quickly gained a following due to his charismatic personality and relatable approach. Frisbee's ministry emphasized the love of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit, often involving healings and what were described as miraculous events.
Frisbee played a crucial role in the growth of Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, partnering with Pastor Chuck Smith. Together, they attracted large numbers of young people, leading to rapid church growth. His influence extended to the founding of the Vineyard Movement with John Wimber in the late 1970s, where he continued to promote charismatic worship and spiritual gifts.
Despite his public ministry successes, Frisbee struggled privately with personal issues, including his sexuality and substance use. These struggles led to tensions with church leadership and eventual separation from the organizations he helped build.
Lonnie Frisbee passed away on March 12, 1993, due to complications from AIDS. After his death, his contributions were often minimized or overlooked within the movements he influenced, largely because of the controversies surrounding his personal life. In recent years, there has been a reevaluation of his legacy, recognizing his significant impact on contemporary evangelicalism and the charismatic movement.
Lonnie Frisbee's life offers several important takeaways for Christians
God Uses Imperfect People: Despite his personal struggles, Frisbee played a significant role in major Christian movements. His story illustrates that God can work through anyone, regardless of their imperfections or past, to accomplish His purposes.
The Power of the Holy Spirit: Frisbee emphasized the work of the Holy Spirit in his ministry, often witnessing healings and spiritual gifts. His experiences encourage believers to be open to the active presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives and ministries.
Authenticity and Relatability: His genuine approach and ability to connect with people from all walks of life drew many to Christianity. Frisbee's story underscores the importance of authenticity in sharing one's faith.
Compassion Over Judgment: Frisbee faced personal challenges, including struggles with identity and substance use. His life highlights the need for the Christian community to offer compassion and support rather than judgment, helping individuals navigate their struggles.
The Complexity of Faith and Personal Struggles: His difficulties in reconciling his faith with personal issues serve as a reminder that Christians are not exempt from struggles. It stresses the importance of seeking help and accountability within the faith community.
Legacy and Recognition: After his death, Frisbee's contributions were often downplayed due to controversies. This aspect of his story invites reflection on how the church acknowledges the gifts and contributions of its members, even when their lives are complicated.
The Importance of Grace: Ultimately, Frisbee's life is a testament to God's grace. It encourages Christians to rely on God's mercy, both for themselves and others, recognizing that everyone is in need of grace.
What Is The Takeaway?
Some people ask, why does God use flawed people? It is because there are no other people for Him to use. We’re all flawed. That is why flawed characters resonate with readers.
When you read our stories, you can expect flawed characters and messy situations because, even in a perfect world, life is messy. That is how it will be until God creates a new Heavens and a new Earth, where there is no longer any sin. But, in the messiness, we see flawed people using their God-given talents to do wonderful and miraculous things in spite of their shortcomings as humans—just as Lonnie Frisbee did.
If you haven’t watched The Jesus Revolution, we strongly recommend it. And, consider giving yourself over completely to the one who created you. Who knows what will happen.
