Jimmy Swaggart

Jimmy Swaggart. Jimmy Lee Swaggart is an American Pentecostal televangelist, pastor, and gospel music singer who rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s through his internationally syndicated television program, The Jimmy Swaggart Telecast. His ministry, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, grew into a vast media empire that included a Bible college, a publishing house, and a global television and radio network. Swaggart's career was dramatically altered by a series of public scandals involving prostitution and adultery, which led to his defrocking by the Assemblies of God denomination. Despite these controversies, he continues to preach, broadcast, and record music, maintaining a significant, though diminished, following.

Early life and ministry

Born in Ferriday, Louisiana, he was a first cousin to famed musicians Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley. He reported a calling to the ministry at a young age and began preaching as a teenager. After marrying Frances Anderson in 1952, he traveled as an evangelist, holding revival services across the American South. In 1969, he began broadcasting his sermons on a local Baton Rouge television station, which rapidly expanded into a nationally syndicated program. His emotionally charged preaching style, combined with his musical performances on the piano, resonated with audiences, leading to the establishment of the Jimmy Swaggart Ministries headquarters and the Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge. The ministry's reach became global, broadcasting into numerous countries and funding extensive missionary work.

Scandals and controversies

In 1987, a rival televangelist, Marvin Gorman, provided evidence to the Assemblies of God that Swaggart had engaged with a prostitute in New Orleans. Swaggart confessed during an emotional televised sermon, famously stating, "I have sinned against you, my Lord," and was suspended from the ministry for three months by the denomination. In 1991, he was stopped by California Highway Patrol officers in Los Angeles County with another woman in his car, which he later admitted was another instance of misconduct. This second scandal led the Assemblies of God to defrock him permanently. These events triggered a massive decline in viewership and donations, forcing the closure of his Bible college and the sale of ministry assets. The scandals were widely covered by media outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post.

Later career and legacy

Following his expulsion from the Assemblies of God, he established an independent congregation at the Family Worship Center and continued his television broadcast. His ministry, while far smaller than its 1980s peak, maintains a presence through SonLife Broadcasting Network (SBN) and international outreach. He remains a polarizing figure, often cited in discussions about the moral failings of prominent evangelical leaders. His downfall is frequently contrasted with the careers of contemporaries like Billy Graham and is seen as a pivotal moment in the history of American televangelism. Despite the controversies, he has released numerous gospel music albums and continues to publish theological commentaries.

Personal life

He has been married to Frances Anderson since October 10, 1952. Their son, Donnie Swaggart, is a pastor and co-host of the ministry's television program. The family resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His nephew, Gabriel Swaggart, is also involved in the ministry's media operations. The Swaggart family has largely remained out of the public spotlight outside of their ministerial work. His longstanding marriage has been a point of focus in his narrative of repentance and redemption following the scandals.

Discography and publications

His musical output is extensive, spanning dozens of albums of Southern and Pentecostal gospel music since the 1960s. Notable albums include *How Great Thou Art* and *Jimmy Swaggart Sings*. He has authored many books and Bible study guides, such as *The Pre-Advent Judgment* and commentaries on the Book of Revelation and the Gospel of John. These publications are distributed through his ministry's publishing arm. His teachings often emphasize dispensational premillennialism and a strict interpretation of biblical inerrancy.

Category:American televangelists Category:American Pentecostals Category:1935 births Category:Living people