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Posted on 11/18/2012 12:31:13 PM PST by CHRISTIAN DIARIST
I’m conflicted about Trinity Broadcast Network, which wrapped up its Fall Praise-A-Thon today.
There is no denying that “America’s most-watched faith and family friendly network,” as TBN advertises itself, provides a service to the Christian faithful.
I, for one, appreciate the platform it provides for such pastors as Ken Copeland, Charles Stanley, John Hagee, Ed Young Sr., David Jeremiah and Joel Osteen.
I also enjoy the praise and worship music it presents from such Christian artists as Chris Tomlin, Paul Baloche, Michael W. Smith, Israel Houghton, Martha Munizzi and Cindy Cruse Ratcliff.
Yet, my soul is troubled by news reports of what goes on behind the scenes of the network founded 39 years ago by Paul and Jan Crouch:
A bitter division within the Crouch family that belies the happy front 78-year-old Paul and 74-year-old Jan, and son Matthew and wife Laurie, put on while hosting TBN’s Praise-A-Thon this past week.
Lavish spending by “Papa” and “Mama,” as Paul and Jan are called on air, which might be acceptable for a billionaire couple like Bill and Melinda Gates, but not for a putative Christian couple that has spent the past week encouraging its viewers to “plant of seed” with TBN of $100 or $1000 or more if they desire God’s favor.
This past Spring, Brittany Crouch Koper, the 26-year-old granddaughter of Paul and Jan Crouch, went public with allegations of scandalous, decidedly unGodly behavior within the Crouch family.
That includes, she said, the family’s cover-up of a “bloody sexual assault,” as well as infidelities by both Mama and Papa Crouch, and repeated incidents in which Uncle Matt Crouch exposed his genitals to TBN cleaning staff.
Equally damning were allegations by Brittany, who served as TBN’s finance director, of unscrupulous financial practices by the non-profit Christian enterprise.
Indeed, Mama and Papa Crouch have his-and-her $5.6 million mansions one street apart in Newport Beach, California. Mama spends little time at her SoCal estate because she’s usually at a huge TBN-owned home in Orlando – where she oversees the company’s Holy Land Experience theme park – which is adjacent to a similarly lavish home there Papa uses on his rare visits to the Sunshine State.
The Crouches travel back and forth across the country, and around the world, in TBN jets valued at $8 million and $49 million apiece. The Christian TV network also owns a Bentley, which Papa Crouch sometimes uses to get from place to place.
“People have been conned by my grandparents,” said Britany, who is estranged from the Crouch family along her dad, Paul Jr., who used to host both “Praise the Lord” and “Behind the Scenes” TBN’s flagship programs, before parting ways with his parents last year.
Now, there’s little dispute that Paul and Jan Crouch have done a great work in growing TBN over the past four decades, from renting a couple hours a day on a small SoCal television station back in 1973 to overseeing the vast broadcasting empire network TBN is today.
But “Papa” and “Mama” must well know, from reading the Bible, that their works, however great that may be, are as “filthy rags” in the eyes of God.
What kind of “distortion of God’s church” is TBN?
Both of those statements are wrong, but the second would be 100% basphemous
He might have. I'm sure there's no copyright on the title that would prevent further use. If he did I have not come across it, but I did know about Lockridge's sermon and Campolo's book and sermon (heard him preach that at Creation Festival in the early '80s..)
But.. E. V. Hill went Home too young...
Well, by our not so omniscient standards - God doesn't tend to use our timetables.. ;-)
Jesus already died for them, you and me. That’s quite enough.
The YBPDLNPL is generally published infrequently, but based on the exploits of the megachurch pastors posts can spike for a period of time. If you would like on or off of this list please FReepmail me.
amen bro (or sis)....the veil was torn; one day the Catholics ‘may’ realize it.
No, I always admired Dr. Scott’s honesty. Don’t think your contributions are going to be tax deductible. You sent your money to him, and he’d even show you videos of his harem riding the Tennessee Walkers that he spent the money on. And now his widow, the ex-porn star, will teach you about sin.
Well, of course He did.
That does not address the poster’s question,but reading what Jesus said will.
The “age old error” is not from reading and following God’s word, but rather from men making it up as they go, as do some of the false teachers to whom you refer.
Free will allows one to disregard God’s word and follow men, at your own peril.
All I suggested is that the poster read scriptures on giving that reference the teachings of Christ, his apostles, and the early church. Perhaps your conscience allows you to ignore Christ’s words in favor of “His authoritative teaching church” and “tradition.”
That’s the attitude of cults and apostates throughout history. I will give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you didn’t really mean that.
I agree. I was saved back in 1985 when I was 20 years old, and I was watching a lot of TBN at the time. I do believe that The Lord CAN use whomever he wants to accomplish his will, but each individual has to account fir his or her own life. I watched them for the next 20 years, and along the way, I was very conflicted by some of the teachings that were brought forth by some of their so called teachers. I would hear them say very un-biblical things that I could not overlook. But Praise God, he took me through a very dark time in my life, and He taught me that I had been lied to by most of these people. Besides the wonderful Word of God, I read a book one day called “The Sovereignty of God” by A.W. Pink. This book changed my life.
God through Jesus taught me that the Word of faith teachers were lying to everyone. On TBN they let ANYONE on there, and they NEVER question their doctrine, which Paul said we should guard at all cost. They had me believing that God was not in control, and it was all up to me. They also taught that God would not bless me unless I gave money.
NOT TRUE!!!!!!!!!!! God blesses anytime He wants and it has NOTHING to do with us. HE IS GOD....He does what He pleases. And Praise God he blesses me even when I do not deserve, which is most of the time. When I say bless, I mean what the bible says....Blessings are spiritual. Those are the only ones that count. Things come and go...they rust and get stolen....but spiritual blessings last forever!
I learned to Praise God in whatever situation He puts me in, because He is my reward!
Anyway, be very careful watching these people, I think they like money most of all.
Well, my google searches reveal nothing to support my memory. I could have sworn, er, affirmed that I heard Hill preach that sermon at a Moody Founder’s Week or Keswick series. But I guess my memory is in error.
Yup, I miss him too.
Even King Solomon stated with noble pursuits but ended up in unwise scenarios at his latter end. Perhaps so goes the Crouches. One thing though is that people donate out of their choice and not via govt. extortion of oppressive taxations. Find a ministry you trust in and believe and give there. TBN is NOT on my list.
your statement smells of envy, jealousy. Since when did having wealth become a profane thing for Christians.
If you can find BBN (Bible Broadcasting Network) on the radio, it’s the best for traditional Christian sermons and music. Also streaming on BBNRadio.org.
thanks
It doesn’t matter. They too will face the Maker, and woe to them who have grievously harmed His people and insulted the name of the Lord. They will pay and pay dearly.
Take His voice wherever you hear it. Shun that which is NOT His voice.
Wealth is not profane any more than money is profane. But the love of money, the Bible teaches, is the root of all evil. And I submit that the lavish manner in which Paul and Jan Crouch haved used the wealth they have gleaned from TBN viewers is profane.
If you affirm for Ken Copeland and Joel Osteen then you are also affirming false teachers.
Peter was the first pope. is luthern or episcopal in the bible?
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