Jim Bakker, PTL Founder and 1980s Televangelism Pioneer, Dies at 86

Key points

• Jim Bakker died on Monday at age 86, confirmed by his second wife, Lori Bakker, who stated he 'went home to be with the Lord.'
• Bakker and his first wife, Tammy Faye, built a massive evangelical empire in the 1980s, including 'The PTL Club' TV show and the Heritage USA theme park in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
• The empire collapsed in 1987 after Bakker admitted to a sexual encounter with a church secretary, Jessica Hahn, and was subsequently convicted of fraud and conspiracy in 1989.
• Bakker served less than five years of a 45-year federal prison sentence before being paroled in 1995, later marrying Lori Bakker in 1998 and launching 'The Jim Bakker Show' in 2003.
• In 2021, Bakker and his church settled a lawsuit in Missouri for falsely claiming a health supplement could cure COVID-19, resulting in $156,000 in refunds.

Background

Bakker's life and career were previously covered in our archive, noting his role as a pioneer of Christian television and the 2021 film 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye' which depicted his and Tammy Faye's story. His later ministry focused on apocalyptic themes and health supplements, diverging from the prosperity theology of his earlier career.

How outlets are covering it

All four sources confirm Bakker's death at 86 and the announcement by his second wife, Lori. The New York Times emphasizes the 'gospel of prosperity' and the financial scale of the empire, noting annual revenues up to $129 million. Fox News highlights the specific details of the 1987 scandal and the 1989 fraud conviction, including the 45-year sentence. NBC News provides additional context on the 2021 COVID-19 supplement lawsuit and the reaction from his son, Jay Bakker, who described a 'complicated relationship' with his father. Politico focuses on the cultural impact of the PTL Club and the couple's prominence in the 1980s.

Why it matters

Bakker's death marks the end of an era in American televangelism, a genre that significantly influenced religious media and political culture in the late 20th century. His rise and fall illustrate the risks and rewards of merging religious faith with commercial enterprise, a model that continues to influence modern religious media and fundraising.

What to watch

There is no immediate next step, as Bakker's death is a final event. However, his legacy continues to influence discussions about the ethics of religious fundraising and the role of media in religious movements. His son, Jay Bakker, has continued his own ministry, and the PTL network remains active, though with a different focus than in the 1980s.