Dr. Graham began preaching in 1952 during his student days in college and seminary. After graduation from seminary, he served a pastorate at the Memorial Christian Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

When he joined the faculty at Berea College, Berea, Kentucky, he assumed added responsibilities as coordinator of religious activities. He also became minister of the Kirksville Christian Church in 1962.

Following his ministry at Berea College in 1970, he received a Doctor of Ministry degree from Lexington Theological Seminary in 1971, while continuing his ministry at the Kirksville church. In addition, he started a business in Berea to promote Appalachian arts and crafts, which he maintained for thirty-nine years.

Throughout the years, Dr. Graham has coined sayings that students, faculty, friends, and patrons of his local business found amusing and inspirational. He made these sayings available in a variety of ways, including bookmarks, which he sold in his shop. Many customers suggested he put them in a book, and now Graham-isms, his first book, captures this collection for random reading.

At eighty-three, Dr. Graham has no intention of retiring, choosing to remain active in ministry wherever it takes him. His mantra is \"All things that work for good are a ministry and a sacred calling.\"