Rod Parsley

Rod Parsley is a prominent American televangelist and pastor who has been a significant figure in the Christian right movement. He is the founder and senior pastor of the World Harvest Church in Columbus, Ohio, and has been a vocal supporter of Republican politicians, including George W. Bush and Donald Trump. Parsley has also been a strong advocate for Israel and has spoken at numerous Christian Zionist events, including those hosted by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem. He has been a frequent guest on Christian television networks, such as Trinity Broadcasting Network and Daystar Television Network, and has written several books, including The Cross and Culturally Incorrect.

● Early Life and Education

Rod Parsley was born on January 13, 1957, in Columbus, Ohio, to a Pentecostal family. He grew up in a Christian household and was influenced by evangelists such as Oral Roberts and Billy Graham. Parsley attended Ohio Dominican University and later graduated from Circleville Bible College, where he earned a degree in Biblical studies. He also studied at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and was ordained as a minister by the Assemblies of God. Parsley's early ministry was influenced by charismatic leaders such as Kenneth Hagin and Benny Hinn, and he has spoken at numerous charismatic conferences, including those hosted by the National Association of Charismatic and Christian Churches.

● Ministry and Career

Parsley's ministry began in the 1970s, when he started preaching at a small Pentecostal church in Columbus, Ohio. He later founded the World Harvest Church, which quickly grew into a large and influential megachurch. Parsley's television ministry began in the 1980s, and he has since become a regular fixture on Christian television networks, including Trinity Broadcasting Network and Daystar Television Network. He has also written several books, including The Cross and Culturally Incorrect, and has been a frequent guest on Christian radio programs, such as The 700 Club and Focus on the Family. Parsley has been a strong supporter of Israel and has spoken at numerous Christian Zionist events, including those hosted by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

● Controversies and Criticisms

Parsley has been involved in several controversies throughout his career, including criticism for his prosperity gospel teachings and his support for Republican politicians. He has also been accused of using his ministry to promote right-wing political agendas, including opposition to abortion and support for the Iraq War. Parsley has been a vocal critic of Islam and has spoken out against Muslim extremism, which has led to criticism from some interfaith groups, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Islamic Society of North America. He has also been criticized for his association with other televangelists, including Benny Hinn and Kenneth Copeland, who have been accused of financial impropriety and excess.

● Personal Life

Parsley is married to Jonetta Parsley and has two children, Alyssa Parsley and Austin Parsley. He is a close friend and supporter of several high-profile Christian leaders, including John Hagee and Jerry Falwell, and has spoken at numerous Christian conferences, including those hosted by the National Religious Broadcasters and the Christian Coalition of America. Parsley has also been a strong supporter of Israel and has spoken at numerous Christian Zionist events, including those hosted by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. He has been a frequent guest on Christian television networks, including Trinity Broadcasting Network and Daystar Television Network, and has written several books, including The Cross and Culturally Incorrect.

● World Harvest Church

The World Harvest Church is a large and influential megachurch founded by Parsley in 1977. The church is located in Columbus, Ohio, and has a congregation of over 10,000 members. The church is known for its charismatic worship style and its emphasis on evangelism and missions. The church has also been involved in several community outreach programs, including a food bank and a homeless shelter, and has partnered with several other Christian organizations, including the Salvation Army and the Red Cross. Parsley has been a strong leader of the church, and has been instrumental in its growth and development, and has spoken at numerous Christian conferences, including those hosted by the National Religious Broadcasters and the Christian Coalition of America. The church has also been a strong supporter of Israel and has hosted several Christian Zionist events, including those hosted by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.