Doctor Paul Franklin Crouch was born in St. Joseph, Missouri March 30, 1934, the son of Assemblies of God missionaries who had lived in Egypt.
He died at his home in Orange, California on November 30, 2013. He is survived by his wife Jan, Paul Crouch Jr., Matthew Crouch, and five grandchildren including Brandon Crouch and Brittany Koper. He had been suffering from degenerative heart disease for quite some time. With the help of his grand parents, his Mother raised him the best she could on a $12 per week salary.
As a young man, Paul felt a strong leading from G-d to spread the gospel to the entire world and that is exactly what he did. He graduated from the Central Bible Institute and Seminary in Springfield, Missouri in 1955 with a degree in theology. He also received three honorary doctorates: a Doctor of Litterarum (D.Litt) on May 29, 1981, from the California Graduate School of Theology, Glendale, California; a Doctor of Divinity on May 29, 1983, from the American Christian Theological Seminary, Anaheim, California; and a Doctor of Laws degree on May 5, 1985, from Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
In 1956, he met his wife Jan and in 1973 they purchased their first Christian TV station. Trinity Broadcasting Network became a reality in 1973. TBN now runs on 84 satellite channels and more than 18,000 television and cable affiliates. Today, TBN is the largest Christian television network in the world carrying the gospel to millions.
For those that had no access to a church in areas like Iran, Egypt, China, Portugal, Africa, etc. – Paul carried the church to them. For those that yearned for the gift of the Holy Spirit – Paul made Baptism possible for thousands. In the 40 years that TBN has been on the air, it is recorded that 37 million souls have been led to Christ. What a testimony for a man who dedicated his entire life to winning souls. In ways, he reminded me of Paul the apostle. Not that he was physically persecuted for his faith but that his dedication to saving souls has surpassed all other ministers and evangelists. I believe that Proverbs 11:30 is quite fitting when describing this awesome servant of G-d.
Proverbs 11:30 Expanded Bible
30 ·A good person gives life to others [ The fruit of the righteous is the tree of life]; the wise person ·teaches others how to live [gathers lives/souls].
Multiple accusations have been targeted at the Crouch family for their lavish spending. No one can be as popular as they are and not suffer at least some jealous criticism. Many refer to Paul as a “Prosperity Preacher” and he was to a degree but operating a network of such proportion costs millions of dollars to operate of which could cease at any given moment. “Others have criticized TBN quite severely for the way they operate pertaining to their prosperity teachings, extravagant life style, etc. but one thing is clear; it took Trinity Broadcasting Network years before it became financially independent and there were many times Paul and Jan were hanging on by a thread. TBN has succeeded where most other networks have folded. A sign to me that TBN was inspired by G-d himself to reach the world His WORD. This is a Christian Network that G-d has blessed and protected for His glory and purpose. Using Solomon as an example – G-d blessed him abundantly and I suppose G-d can bless whoever He chooses. In other words we’re not the judge.
The world will miss Paul Crouch more and more as time passes. He accomplished the ultimate for Christ bringing the truth to millions but that truth will not end with his passing. He has been preparing Matthew his son to take the reigns for quite some time. I believe that G-d will bless his ministry also.
A tribute to Doctor Paul Crouch: