Paul Crouch, who co-founded the Trinity Broadcast Network (TBN) with his wife, Jan, 40 years ago, passed away Saturday at 2:32 a.m. at the age of 79 after more than a decade of chronic heart problems.
Under his direction, TBN has become the most-watched faith network in the U.S. TBN reaches every major continent via 84 satellite channels and more than 18,000 television and cable affiliates around the world.
Christian leaders across denominations are offering their condolences to the family and honoring the memory of the Christian television pioneer.
Billy Wilson, Oral Roberts University
“I am deeply thankful for life of Paul Crouch Sr. and his passionate work sharing the gospel around the world through media. I am confident that his contribution to the growth of the global Spirit-empowered movement will continue to bear fruit as TBN continues into the 21st century. Our prayers are with the entire Crouch family during this time of loss.”
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
“Everyone at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association extends our condolences to the family of Paul Crouch Sr., who, along with his wife, Jan, founded the Trinity Broadcast Network in 1973. … He and the TBN family have been longtime friends and supporters of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse.”
Military Bible Association
Dr. Crouch had a passion for missions to the military, such that he visited the troops in Baghdad and invited military personnel on the air at TBN, which encompasses 26 global networks and affiliates around the world.
One such guest was retired U.S. Army Chaplain (Maj.) Jim Linzey, who recalls the honor of being with Dr. Crouch on Behind the Scenes and when singing on TBN with the Vanguard Chorale when he was a student at Southern California College:
“Dr. Crouch was a deeply spiritual man and extremely professional. He was absolutely a delight to be with and discuss anything in front of the camera. I appreciated the opportunity to talk about military ministry in the Middle East.”
Linzey also opened the Praise the Lord program with prayer at Dr. Crouch’s invitation.
GEB America
“The ministry of Paul Crouch Sr. is truly remarkable,” says GEB America President Ossie Mills. “GEB America founder and chancellor of the university that bears his name, Oral Roberts, was a pioneer in Christian television. Without a doubt, Paul Sr. took that concept to the next level and beyond.
“The entire family of networks of TBN throughout the world has and continues to impact the entire world for Jesus Christ. We are so deeply grateful for Paul Sr. allowing God to use his life to send His message of hope into homes everywhere. The GEB America family is praying for Jan, Paul Jr., Matt and their entire family and celebrates his life with them.”
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