Passing the Baton
These Christian leaders appeared on the cover of Charisma before they died. We still celebrate their legacy.

Kathryn Kuhlman (1907-1976)Still the world's most widely known female evangelist, she appeared on Charisma's cover in 1975, our first year of publication. She disliked the term “faith healer,” but countless miracles were documented in her services. Through broadcasts of her meetings on CBS, she introduced millions of Americans to the Holy Spirit in a flamboyant style that was uniquely her own.

Catherine Marshall (1914-1983)Prolific author and wife of a U.S. Senate chaplain, she introduced thousands of Presbyterians and other mainline Protestants to the baptism of the Spirit through Something More and other books. Her novel Christy sold millions and became a television series after her death.

David Du Plessis (1905-1987)Known as the father of the modern charismatic movement, this South African preacher dedicated his life to building bridges between different denominations. “Mr. Pentecost” initiated efforts to unite Pentecostals, and the Assemblies of God asked him in 1962 to withdraw his credentials because of his coziness with Catholics. He is one of the few church leaders to appear on Charisma's cover more than once, in 1978 and 1987.

Dennis Bennett (1917-1991)This Episcopal priest was ousted from his California church after he experienced the baptism in the Holy Spirit in 1959. But his infectious charismatic fervor spread quickly to his new parish, St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Seattle. After renewal spread from there, he and his wife, Rita, formed the Episcopal Charismatic Fellowship and co-authored several books including the 1971 classic, The Holy Spirit and You.

Jamie Buckingham (1932-1992)An award-winning columnist for Charisma and editor of Ministries Today magazine, Buckingham was known as “the prophet with a pen.” A former Southern Baptist who spoke candidly about the dangers of religiosity, he planted a successful congregation in Melbourne, Florida, and helped unite the many independent charismatic churches founded during the 1970s and 1980s.

Demos Shakarian (1913-1993)An Armenian immigrant who was baptized in the Spirit as a teenager, he became a successful businessman in California and at one time owned one of the world's largest private dairies. In 1951 he founded the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International, which introduced the gospel and the charismatic experience to millions of laypeople. It has since spread to 160 countries.

John Wimber (1934-1997)He knew success in the music industry as a member of the Righteous Brothers and was converted to Christ in 1963. Wimber became well-known after teaching a controversial course on miracles at Fuller Seminary. In 1977 he established a fast growing charismatic church in Anaheim, California, which became the genesis of the Vineyard church movement.

John Osteen (1921-1999)Originally a Southern Baptist, he was baptized in the Holy Spirit in 1958 and later founded an independent church in an abandoned feed store in Houston. Lakewood Church became one of the nation's first megachurches under his watch. Pastored today by his son, Joel, Lakewood is one of the nation's largest congregations, with some 30,000 weekly attendees.

Derek Prince (1915-2003)Perhaps the best-known Bible teacher in the modern charismatic movement, this dignified British gentleman offered sound instruction on Christian fundamentals, Bible prophecy and the prophetic role of Israel (where he lived several months a year). He also stirred controversy for his role in the Florida based shepherding movement, which he repudiated in 1983.

Kenneth Hagin Sr. (1917-2003) This country preacher experienced healing at a young age and began his ministry in Texas, emphasizing the power of faith to cast out demons and heal the sick. He eventually founded the Rhema Bible Training Center near Tulsa, Oklahoma, and through its influence became known as the father of the “Word of Faith” movement. He appeared on the cover of Charisma twice, in 1981 and 1990.

REINHARD BONNKE has conducted evangelistic campaigns all over the world, especially in Africa. Based in Orlando, Florida, he recently launched The Reinhard Bonnke School of Fire, a practical ministry training program. Find out more by logging on at www.schooloffire.com.

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