Jim Bakker, American televangelist

James Orsen Bakker, born on January 2, 1940, is an influential American televangelist whose career has spanned decades, marked by both groundbreaking success in Christian media and significant legal controversies, including a high-profile conviction for fraud. He is widely recognized for his pioneering role in religious broadcasting and for the events that led to his public downfall and subsequent return to ministry.

Between 1974 and 1987, Bakker, alongside his then-wife Tammy Faye Bakker, co-hosted the wildly popular television program, The PTL Club. PTL, an acronym for "Praise the Lord," became a dominant force in religious broadcasting, reaching millions of viewers across the globe and generating substantial donations. During this period of expansion, Bakker also masterminded the creation of Heritage USA, an ambitious Christian theme park and resort complex located in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Conceived as a faith-based alternative to secular entertainment destinations, Heritage USA boasted hotels, a water park, numerous shops, and residential areas. At its zenith, it stood as the third-most visited theme park in the United States, a testament to Bakker's unique blend of spiritual evangelism and large-scale entrepreneurial vision. However, the park is now defunct, a consequence of the controversies that engulfed the ministry.

Bakker's ministry began to unravel in the late 1980s. In 1987, he resigned from the PTL ministry amidst a burgeoning scandal. It was publicly revealed that $279,000 in PTL funds had been paid as hush money to Jessica Hahn, a former church secretary, to conceal an alleged sexual encounter. This initial scandal quickly triggered more extensive investigations into the ministry's financial operations. Subsequent revelations exposed widespread accounting fraud, particularly concerning the fraudulent overselling of "lifetime partnerships" that promised fixed hotel stays at Heritage USA, far exceeding the park's actual capacity. Prosecutors alleged that Bakker and his associates illicitly diverted millions of dollars intended for the ministry's charitable and operational purposes for their personal enrichment.

These serious allegations led to federal charges. In 1989, James Bakker was convicted on 24 counts, including 8 counts of mail fraud, 15 counts of wire fraud, and 1 count of conspiracy. He was initially sentenced to 45 years in federal prison and fined $500,000. Although his sentence was later reduced on appeal, he ultimately served approximately 4.5 years behind bars. The scandal also precipitated a personal crisis, culminating in his divorce from Tammy Faye Bakker in 1992.

Following his release from prison, Bakker remarried to Lori Graham and gradually recommenced his work in televangelism. He established Morningside Church in Blue Eye, Missouri, which now serves as the central hub for his current ministry. Through Morningside, he resurrected a version of the "PTL" (Praise the Lord) ministry, operating separately from its original iteration. He currently hosts The Jim Bakker Show, which is broadcast primarily online and through various syndicated channels. The show's focus has notably evolved, now heavily centered on discussions of biblical prophecy, particularly "end times" scenarios, and the promotion of emergency survival products. These products, which often include freeze-dried foods, water purification systems, and various preparedness kits, are marketed as essential for navigating impending global crises and spiritual challenges.

Bakker has also continued his literary endeavors, authoring several books that reflect on his personal journey and current theological perspectives. Prominent titles include I Was Wrong, an autobiographical account addressing his past mistakes and imprisonment, and Time Has Come: How to Prepare Now for Epic Events Ahead, which aligns directly with his current ministry's emphasis on eschatology and practical readiness for future global occurrences.

Frequently Asked Questions About James Bakker

Who is James Bakker?

James Orsen Bakker is an American televangelist renowned for co-hosting The PTL Club and founding Heritage USA, who was later convicted of fraud and subsequently returned to religious broadcasting.

What was The PTL Club?

The PTL Club (Praise the Lord) was an immensely popular Christian television program co-hosted by James and Tammy Faye Bakker from 1974 to 1987, which grew into a global religious media empire.

What was Heritage USA?

Heritage USA was a massive Christian theme park and resort complex developed by James Bakker in Fort Mill, South Carolina, becoming one of the most visited theme parks in the U.S. before its decline following the PTL scandal.

Why was James Bakker convicted?

James Bakker was convicted of 24 counts of mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy in 1989. These charges stemmed from the fraudulent overselling of "lifetime partnerships" for accommodations at Heritage USA and the illegal diversion of ministry funds for personal gain.

What is The Jim Bakker Show about today?

Currently, The Jim Bakker Show primarily focuses on biblical prophecy, particularly "end times" scenarios, and extensively promotes emergency survival products, often presented as crucial preparation for future global events or disasters.