A TRIBUTE TO DR. PAUL CROUCH (1934-2013)
It is with the deepest of emotion that Joni and I, our families, and congregations express our heartfelt sympathy to precious Jan, Matt and Laurie, Paul Jr., and all the grandchildren at the home going of Dr. Paul Crouch on Saturday, November 30, 2013.
Dr. Crouch was a legend in Christian television, pioneering the most watched Christian television network in the world as well as being the seventh largest owner of broadcast television stations. In the 40 year history of the international soul-winning ministry of the Trinity Broadcasting Network, under the exemplary leadership of Dr. Crouch, TBN has broadcast to every major continent except Antarctica, secured 84 satellite channels and more than 18,000 TV and cable affiliates, as well as founding the Holy Land Experience in Orlando, Florida.
Breakthrough had the honor of appearing on TBN for the first time in 1990 and expanded to a daily broadcast in 1991. This represents over 13,000 episodes of
Breakthrough that began because Dr. Crouch and Jan believed the world needed to hear the clarion call of Holy Ghost inspired preaching.
Dr. Crouch was a cherished mentor and caring friend. I had the honor of preaching on
Praise the Lord, as well as TBN telethon programs on hundreds of occasions. Nothing inspired me more than hearing that authoritative, commanding voice behind me shout out, “preach it Rod.”
Dr. Paul Crouch and his lovely wife, Jan, saw something in this young Pentecostal preacher decades ago that perhaps I didn’t even realize myself. I will always be grateful that they found a place for
Breakthrough and for me on their vast network. The TBN platform has afforded me and this ministry the opportunity to be a voice to our world. Without Dr. Crouch’s faith in me, this ministry simply would not have the national and worldwide influence it has today, and for that I will always be grateful to him and to Jan.
He consistently challenged me to focus every broadcast of
Breakthrough like a laser on the clear, unadorned presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His concern first, last and always was that the viewers of the Trinity Broadcasting Network hear biblical truth on its airwaves. And that clear doctrine be preached under an anointing of the Holy Spirit that would reach the sinner and transform the saint to impact culture and redeem the world.
One cannot begin to imagine the influence a giant of the faith like Dr. Paul Crouch has had on the global body of Christ. He will be deeply missed but I promise you, he will not be forgotten. May our hearts all continue to shout with him “let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.”
Pastor Rod Parsley
World Harvest Church
