On this day March 19 1987 televangelist Jim Bakker resigned as head of the PTL Club also known as The Jim and Tammy Show following a highly publicized sex scandal. Bakker who had built a massive religious broadcasting empire stepped down after it was revealed that he had paid hush money to former church secretary Jessica Hahn to cover up an alleged affair.
Following Bakker’s resignation fellow televangelist Jerry Falwell took over leadership of the PTL ministry. However financial mismanagement and further controversies led to the collapse of the organization. In 1989 Bakker was convicted of fraud and sentenced to prison for misusing ministry funds.
80s insight: At its peak the PTL Club raised millions of dollars annually and even funded the construction of Heritage USA a Christian theme park that was once one of the most visited attractions in the country.
Following Bakker’s resignation fellow televangelist Jerry Falwell took over leadership of the PTL ministry. However financial mismanagement and further controversies led to the collapse of the organization. In 1989 Bakker was convicted of fraud and sentenced to prison for misusing ministry funds.
80s insight: At its peak the PTL Club raised millions of dollars annually and even funded the construction of Heritage USA a Christian theme park that was once one of the most visited attractions in the country.
