Renowned Pentecostal televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, who became a household name for his religious broadcasts and controversial moments, has passed away at 90 due to cardiac arrest.
The news of his passing was shared via his official Facebook page, which announced on Tuesday morning, “Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Savior, Jesus Christ.”
The post further noted, “Today was the day he has sung about for decades. He met his beloved Savior and entered the portals of glory. At the same time, we rejoice knowing that we will see him again one day.”
Revered by many, Swaggart was described as more than just a preacher. “He was a worshiper, a warrior, and a witness to the grace and mercy of God,” his page stated. “He was a man whose faith was steadfast and always entered whatever door the Lord opened. And the Lord honored that faith.”
Born on March 15, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, Swaggart felt a divine call to preach at the young age of 8. By 17, he had married Frances Anderson, and they later welcomed their son, Donnie. Swaggart was ordained in 1961 by the Assemblies of God, the largest Pentecostal denomination in the U.S.
His musical talent ran in the family, being a cousin of rock and roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis. Swaggart’s music career was noteworthy, with over 17 million albums reportedly sold worldwide according to his ministry’s website.
Swaggart’s ministry expanded through multiple media channels. His radio show, “The Campmeeting Hour,” began in 1969, followed by the publication of The Evangelist magazine in 1970. By 1973, he was reaching television audiences with “The Jimmy Swaggart Evangelistic Association Presents Jimmy Swaggart.” His television ministry included live church services and broadcasts in various languages.
The 1980s marked significant growth for Swaggart’s evangelism efforts, with large-scale crusades both domestically and internationally. A notable event was a 1987 crusade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, drawing an estimated 125,000 attendees, as reported.
However, Swaggart’s career was also marred by scandal. In 1988, he admitted to being involved with a prostitute in New Orleans, delivering a tearful admission to his congregation. “I have sinned,” he confessed, taking full responsibility for his actions.
Despite being defrocked by the Assemblies of God, Swaggart continued his work as an independent pastor. In 1991, another incident involving a prostitute occurred in California, documented by The Associated Press.
In an effort to rejuvenate his ministry, Swaggart launched the SonLife Radio Network in 1995, which expanded internationally. Further growth came with the SonLife Broadcasting Network, which began airing in April 2010.
Swaggart maintained family ties, conducting the funeral service for his cousin Jerry Lee Lewis in November 2022. At the service, he expressed confidence in Lewis’s faith, as quoted by the Memphis Commercial Appeal, stating, “He always had a heart for God, always. Even in his lowest times, he had a heart for God.”
On June 15, Swaggart was found unconscious at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by his son and grandson. Although paramedics were able to revive a heartbeat, his condition remained grave. The ministry’s Facebook page later reported no change in his condition and requested prayers from supporters.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
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