Jim Bakker, the American televangelist who built a multi-million dollar empire only to see his reputation tarnished by sexual scandals and fraud convictions, passed away on Monday at the age of 86, according to reports.
Lori Bakker, his second wife, announced his death on social media, expressing her heartbreak and referring to him as a “pioneer of Christian television.” The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Bakker’s journey from a televised pulpit to prison was dramatized in the 2021 film “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” which earned actress Jessica Chastain an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Jim Bakker’s Controversial Church
In the 1980s, Bakker was among the most popular Christian preachers in America, gaining fame through his show “The PTL Club,” which stood for “Praise The Lord” and “People That Love.” Critics often quipped that PTL should mean “pass the loot,” due to his daily appeals for donations.
In 1989, Bakker was convicted and sentenced to 45 years in prison for defrauding his followers in a scheme involving vacations at the Heritage USA Christian theme park and resort, which he had established. He spent four and a half years behind bars.
Prosecutors characterized Bakker as a greedy con artist who misused $158 million from his followers, promising them lifetime vacations that he could not deliver. They claimed he diverted $3.7 million to fund a lavish lifestyle that included multiple homes, luxury cars, mink coats, diamonds, and even an air-conditioned dog house.
Scandals that Rocked Bakker’s Ministry
Bakker resigned from his PTL ministry in 1987 after allegations surfaced of a sexual encounter with Jessica Hahn, a former church secretary who later posed for Playboy. Reports revealed a $265,000 hush payment made from ministry funds to secure her silence.
Along with his former wife Tammy Faye, Bakker started with a modest TV show and grew into a massive operation, employing 2,000 staff and developing the 930-acre Heritage USA in Fort Mill, South Carolina. At its peak, the PTL ministry boasted 13 million viewers across 200 television stations, generating annual revenues of $129 million.
During a six-week federal trial, Bakker was found guilty on all 24 counts of fraud and conspiracy against him. Judge Robert Potter reprimanded him, stating, “We, who have a religion, are tired of being the fools of preachers and priests who are only interested in making money.”
Prison Time and Aftermath
Initially sentenced to 45 years, Bakker’s sentence was later reduced. He expressed remorse in court, stating, “I have sinned. I have made mistakes. But I never intended to defraud anyone.” His primary associate Richard Dortch was sentenced to eight years, serving 18 months after pleading guilty to lesser charges in exchange for testimony against Bakker.
Tammy Faye was never charged and stood by Bakker during the trial, but the couple divorced in 1992 while he was incarcerated. She succumbed to cancer in 2007.
A New Chapter After Prison
Upon his release in 1994, Bakker began anew, distancing himself from the prosperity gospel he once preached and authored a book titled “I Was Wrong.” In a 2000 CNN interview, he reflected, “I have been given a second chance at life. And I have a wonderful wife who loves me,” referring to Lori, whom he married in 1998.
The couple launched a new TV show in 2003, and by 2008, they began recording “The Jim Bakker Show” at a 240-acre complex near Branson, Missouri. Critics noted similarities to Heritage USA.
Bakker again solicited donations from followers and faced backlash in 2020 for selling a fake COVID-19 treatment during the pandemic.
