May 2007

Paul Franklin Crouch
By Tennessee Elijah

This man who is chairman, and president of the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), the world's largest Christian television network, has made the existence of an international communications system possible. There are dozens of satellite stations, and thousands of affiliates that reach millions of households globally each day.

Paul Franklin Crouch was born March 30, 1934, in the home of Pentecostal Christian parents. At the age of two, he was living in Egypt as a member of his family who followed the tradition of his grandmother as missionaries. Life threatening illnesses by both his father and himself prompted their
early return to stateside.

While growing up in Missouri, young Paul showed an interest in amateur radio. Thanks to God, he was inspired to use technology to "send the Gospel around the world" at an early age. The Spiritual values of his family and church influenced him in many ways as the years passed. As a result of his zeal for the good things of Life, much to the delight of all who knew him, he eventually became a student at the Central Bible Institute in Springfield.

In the early 1950s, this eager dreamer dedicated himself to the Assemblies
of God organization as a film librarian where he became intrigued by the
art of making movies. In 1958, he married his wife Jan. In 1961, Paul was employed by a Assemblies of God production facility in California, and then in 1973 -- at the age of thirty-nine -- the idea of "TBN" became a reality.

The formation of Trinity Broadcasting happened when co-founders Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker with Paul and Jan launched out by faith to start a daily "Praise the Lord" talk show. It was a difficult time when a lack of finances kept them from accomplishing goals as quickly as desired. Tension between these two families ended their relationship within a year, and the Bakkers took "PTL" with them in a move to North Carolina.

How much of this attraction to "Christian Showbiz" by contemporary ministers of the Gospel was inspired by God and how much was inspired by Johnny Carson's Tonight Show is still a question needing an answer? Both Jim and Paul have had their share of dreams and visions through the years, but it was Paul who believes he heard from God in 1975 that led to network satellite transmissions. Did God participate in the development of TBN -- beyond business as usual? Did success of this giant network come about as
a result of normal "taking up the offering" and normal "merchandising" of the Kingdom message -- or because millions of souls need salvation?

TBN is known as the premier evangelical/charismatic Christian television network partly because of the making of movies! In 1999, Paul and his family members produced and promoted the film "The Omega Code." Instead of imitating a famous TV comedian, they are now imitating famous
Hollywood heroes in the name of "God." Now instead of silly jokes to provoke laughter, we are getting Bible-based sermons; instead of raunchy sex, meaningless violence, and stories written by degenerates, we are getting films that Christian families can feel comfortable viewing.

According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Paul and Jan have a combined annual salary of about $770, 000 -- which is much better than they were receiving for the first twenty years. The success of "Word of Faith" theology has enabled them to own over thirty homes with expensive furnishings, luxury automobiles, traveling around the world in a $7-million, 19-seat Turbojet, and lots of cash for miscellaneous shopping expenditures. In contrast to the Father Creator who walked on this planet in the bodily form of Jesus Christ, some of us find it hard to understand why excessive wealth of this world has become a vital part of the Crouch family lifestyle?

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Matthew 6:24

"And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head."
Matthew 8:20

Even though there are a few large contributions, it is usually lower-income givers who support the Trinity Broadcast Network. TBN's family of believers make average tax-deductible donations of less than $50, but when thousands of folks do this over and over again, it becomes possible for a tax-exempt Christian charity to "send the Gospel around the world" via television shows, movies, videos, books, and hundreds of ornamental trinkets.

Now that we have taken a brief look at the facts surrounding Paul and his TBN ministry, we must wonder if God is pleased? Have allegations of misconduct, immorality, or greed been based on deception coming out of
the hearts of false accusers or has Paul made mistakes? Is it possible that he could be doing the work of God and yet be an imperfect human? We are all sinners saved by the grace of God through repentance -- and just maybe that is what Paul has experienced and will experience again in the future?

It would be a horrendous mistake to build a great Christian communications network only to lose it just when it is needed most. Hopefully, God will not allow that to happen -- no matter what the Crouch family does or doesn't do! We need to be hearing prophetic voices as guides to Christians who are deeply immersed in a war between good and evil instead of so much redundancy. If Paul and Jan fail to heed the call of the Master during this time leading to Armageddon, a way will be made to overcome resistance.

It is my sad duty to acknowledge my witness of evil in the hearts and minds of many who are seen and heard on TBN. As a discerner of spirits, I know that this great institution must undergo radical changes to regain harmony within the will of the Lord. Too much emphasis has been placed on emotion meant to entertain and on money used for extravagant decorations; too much recognition is given to superficial style over substance of the Word.

Having been rejected by various people employed by Paul Crouch, it is not vindictive retaliation that has inspired me to write these words, but it is a deep concern for their lack of priorities that causes me grief. Even if invited, I would not desire to be a guest on TBN. In the same way, I doubt that
Christ Himself would accept an invitation until a transformation has taken place. Among the few who should be regarded as "angelic messengers" is Joyce Meyer. Look at her if you want to see how Christians should proceed with Life to the end of days. She has an honest heart, knowledge of Truth, wisdom, common sense, good humor, and is a great role model for Love!

If those who are presently in control of TBN prove to be unworthy servants, maybe the Lord will provide others who are willing to unselfishly do as He desires -- for the sake of millions who need His comforting Truth.

"But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut
him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Matthew 24:48-51