Comments on: Paul Crouch Jr. from TBN Responds

By: Timothy D. Horton

Timothy D. Horton — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 18:30:00 +0000

Well, TBN is changing. I have heard Paul and Jan state that TBN would never have sponsered commercials………well that is over! I saw four commercials back to back on a program last night. I did email TBN and got back a regular form thank you. Too Big to care they declare.

In the last few TV telethons both Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. have stated that TBN doesn’t need the money. Basically I guess that means they will take it but are above asking? But almost every segment has some sort of offer or money request tied to it. That is ok I guess. But now you get pieces of sermons and then are offered a CD or DVD to get the whole message………and evryone does this. I am sure all of them are life changing. Has anyone noticed the cost for life changing ideas and concepts are going up? Oh yeah, now there are the package deals.

This is all being done under the protection of nonprofit but I think that will be changing soon. If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck…………”it’s a duck! Either I am watching a different TBN or it is as close as regular tv can get.

I think Paul Crouch Sr. is the real deal…..I think one of his sons is sincere but for the other……it is about the money! TBN is family and really a lot of family payroll. However, has anyone ever seen Paul Jr. and his wife together on a show? Any show………..not even a fundraiser? Makes you wonder.

I am not gifted but I did have a terrible vision, so terrible I contacted TBN about it. They did respond to that personally and I was grateful that they really listened.

Things seem to go in stages now like there is a quarterly foremat. It can be about The Blood or The Word and now the theme is Grace! I am not kidding, In less than 24 hours there were two popular TBN pastors that had almost the same exact sermon. Basically about the birth of the Grace or Benjamin Generation. In both cases the Law generation has gone deaf and ignorantly still living in the law versus grace.

Now the problem that comes up is which CD or DVD do you Buy… and yes it is a purchase…….it isn’t a duck, it is a purchase. I have always beleaved that an offering is what a person gives from the heart and with Joy. Looks like TBN has now targeted the MIddle Class Christian asking for some pretty high offerings. However, there are actual prices or costs to consumers. Most of the shows are really long commercials about the current sermons for each pastor.

Please, ask yourself one question………..actually two but answer them both honestly. The first is basic common sense. Do you know that it does take funds to get God’s message on tv? The second question is a little more important. When was the last time you watched any pastor give a complete sermon from start to finish and without asking for a certain amount of money with a tape, cd or dvd offer………whoops, forgot those life saving books, on TBN?

In the article Paul Sr. comments about TBN is not about entertainment but to save lost souls. Gotta call him on that one…. the whole drive now seems to be about entertainment and selling music items, reecorded sermons and most of all “BOOKS”.

Isn’t the Bible life changing enough? Please excuse my typing and spelling……..I have a little trouble seeing and I am not all that bright.

I actually considered becoming a pastor. But there are a few problems with that. I havge a problem loving everyone, I would die for a loved one or friend and even a man or woman that is a true Christian. Has the Lord ever spoken to me? Yes, in the spirit. At times some things said to me make no sense, but eventually I understand. I had asked the Lord if I were to become a pastor how big of a church I should try to build. Almost before I finished asking my question the answer was given to me.

The Answer:
God created the heavens and named all the stars and planets. God created man and has named them all. God can tell you exactly how many hairs a person has on his or her head. This is why God’s Church is as large as the universe and will last for eternity. However, you are not God. So to keep it real and manageable, do not try to build a church without being able to know every persons name and the person themselves. It is foolish to have a family and not know the family members. You are to be the shepard and be capable of taking care of your flock without the need of any man made tools.

I have not given up on the idea of being a pastor…….. But I never want to have my ego as a driving force.

God Bless You

By: Angelita Sandoval

Angelita Sandoval — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 17:15:00 +0000

I think Christian Television has become very lazy, spoiled and liberal. They are not caring about souls anymore, it’s all about technology and who has more money and they forget what the Bible says ab out money being the root of all evil. When my family and I visit different churches, the rich stick with rich and do not want to help the poor so much and judge them forgetting that they might have been in there position at one time. The very elect have been decieved by hollywood and want to be accepted by them instead of telling them the truth that loving God and being a believer is more important than money and fame. We need more people like Nicki Cruz who still goes in person witnessing for Christ in the highways and biways and is not ashamed of the gospel and it’s name, and does not make excuses and cover up for people with lots of money, does things the old fashion way, like walking and not just by television .

concerned christian,

By: Lydiauebele

Lydiauebele — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 22:44:00 +0000

it did not tell anything about Matt and Laurie Crouch on TBN their weath their home and all the things money can buy do they have a plane What about the kids

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Great comments Paul. But I think your defensive position tells us a little about how TBN has gotten out of touch with the culture. Yes - I'm sure you must have a great heart for ministry, and I hear you've invested heavily in digital technology. But online blogs like Phil's are the new "conversation" platform for issues like Christian broadcasting. We're not critics. Most of us are deep in the trenches of the struggle to produce excellent Christian programming. TBN has lots of issues, just like our own programs do. And by discussing those issues in a forum like this, we can share ideas and insight to raise all boats.

Keep responding here Paul. I hear you're trying to take the network in new directions, and we all support that. We'll be watching.

--Viewer in Atlanta

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

This is so interesting. But, what if the entire concept of Christian TV (like secular TV) is broken? What if (like Murrow and Postman have said), TV is a trivializing medium, and what if it is therefore inappropriate for directly sharing the gospel? For instance, as a Gen-Xer, once I see something on TV, I am less likely to believe it to be true and authentic. I am immediately skeptical and cynical, wondering who's trying to sell me what. I'm all for harnessing technology, but I just plain don't believe in TV anymore–except as a resource for entertainment. Maybe that's the key … Christian television as entertainment/art/cultural contribution–no strings attached. Like Marshall McLuhan said, "The medium is the message." If no one takes the medium seriously anymore, what does that say about the message? – Matt Green, editor, Ministry Today (http://www.ministrytodaymag.com/blog)

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I think there's something wrong with modern Christian evangelism (not just on TV). There's a major culture change that has occurred in the last 40 or 50 years in America. I think we used to have a "Christian" culture. It's not that everyone was Christian, but most people understood what Christianity was about. They understood the concepts of One God, Creation, sin, and forgiveness. The "big-tent" evangelism methods worked great where you preached "Jesus Saves" and people responded. Increasing that doesn't seem to work. "Jesus saves from what?" 1 Corinthians 1 says, "But we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles." (NIV) I think a lot of times we're still preaching to the Jews who have this foundation of Old Testament history.

When I voted that Christian TV needed more creativity, I meant that it needed to find more creative ways to evangelize. Christian TV needs to present the whole story -- from Creation to the Cross to the return of Jesus. I don't think our culture will respond until they see the big picture and understand why Christianity is still relevant.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Saying Christian TV in general and specifically TBN isn't broken is like saying our public school system just 'needs improving and refining.' Many experts in education will say our current public educational system needs much more than a face lift. Honestly, it needs a fresh perspective and a solid dose of reality; it needs change. It's broken, Phil was generous to say it needs fixing, actually Christian TV needs to be reinvented for a 21st century that communicates online.

How many people have been healed at a Benny Hinn event? In the past we would just accept the numbers we were told (as gospel), but now with the smokinggun and other web sites, we actually can do indepth research. No longer can one simply make claims without proof and accountability.

These are hard words, mainly to those that are a part of the establishment because it requires that the old guard lead or be removed to allow a fresh vision to begin. Detroit got complacent, Prime time TV got complacent, the newspaper business got complacent, and now they are all needing more than slight 'adjustments' they are sucking wind and new management/leadership must try to right these now sinking ships.

But we have a website. Not enough!

Paul, you're points are interesting. What is Christian TV? What is the goal of Christian TV? We should continue this conversation, and then act with more relevant programming.

Newer shows that are AMAZINGLY WELL DONE are "The way of the master" and "travel the road." More of these type of shows please! Great JOB with getting these on the air btw.

The traditional broadcast mentatlity is not one of communication or conversation. That's a big problem. Ask your audience what they want. A forum like this is all about conversation. Times have changed and TBN has not kept up to pace. For that matter,even prime time network TV is in massive decline and I'd still rather watch secular TV than christian TV where I know I'll be asked to give money to purchase a bottle of "NO EVIL OIL" from some dude with an 80's hair tail.' (no joke). HOW DO WE GET THE NO EVIL OIL GUY OFF THE AIR? I'm pretty sure he's not on TBN by the way.

Again, a broadcast mentality 'thinks' they are keeping up to pace if they have the latest HD hardware, but that is completely missing the point, it's needed yes, but the real solution is found in conversation with the audience and those that the Lord is establishing as great new leaders. Let's keep this conversation going... and lead.

By: Tom Hillmann

Tom Hillmann — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I don't watch much "Christian" television because I don't feel I'm in the demographic they are playing to.

I do think Mr. Crouch has a legitimate beef and really articulated his viewpoint well. The other guys usually slant their polls in a specific direction, giving away their bias loud and clear. The poll could have been worded in a less biased way as he suggests.

Christian TV could be improved by giving people more of what they love. I just started reading a great book called "What Clients Love: A Field Guide to Growing Your Business," by Harry Beckwith. Here's a snippet of the section I'm in:

No matter how hard we stare, we cannot see ahead. Your planning should not rest on suppositions about the future because no supposition —other than death and taxes— is safe. Rest your assumptions instead on the one prediction that has never missed: People will pay for what they love. Plan to build what the love, and let the rest of the future take care of itself— it always has.

What do I love? Stories about sacrifice and redemption. Impossible odds. Danger. Triumph over evil. Self-deprecating humor.

What would I watch? Give me a mythical drama like "Lost" full of edgy, flawed, broken humans searching for something they desperately need to find. Some have faith, most do not. Challenge me to live what I believe.

www.TomHillmann.com

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Paul, Jr.,

I respect you and your opinion! Clearly, TBN and all the predecessors have gotten Christian TV where it is today.

Unfortunately, I must decidedly disagree with your views. Christian TV desperately DOES need to be “fixed,” yesterday. It’s broken! Send in the “mechanics.”

We are “preaching to the choir,” especially with some of the wild antics seen on the Christian TV set. It gives other Christians, and people not on TV, a bad name. You would be amazed at all the times I have gotten in conversations with non-believers, and because of something they saw on Christian TV, they were reluctant to hear what I had to say. Including family.

Obviously, a nerve has been struck by this blog, or I don’t believe you would have responded – I may be wrong. Respectfully, for someone who has been in the television industry for 30 years, it’s a shame “the real world” hasn’t rubbed off on you. You appear to be sheltered in your own world, and you are not privy to what’s really going on in the country. I have worked in Christian TV, even TBN in Nashville, large TV ministries, as well as for secular Hollywood studios and national networks. I have even heard ministries say that airing on TBN is a “necessary evil.” I don’t think I’d go that far, but I’ve heard that from more than one ministry.

As for your “Chicken and the Egg” example…if it’s not obvious by now, then Heaven help us. There wouldn’t be people responding to this blog the way they are if 1000’s, if not millions, of people already “get it.” Go commercial with your network, and let the cream rise to the top. In this instance, I guess money comes first. Secular networks don’t know how each show will be received by the country – they have to test it. That’s why you only see some shows for a few weeks. I have a friend who has a show already shot, sitting on network shelves waiting until “the time is right.” He’s been waiting for several years.

The solution is that the networks give people what they want. It doesn’t have to be sex or violence to get people’s attention. That’s just then easiest thing and Satan makes it look so appealing. And the way they can do that is by advertising that is pre-sold by the person’s, actor’s, or network’s reputation, current statistics, and a “promise.” I’m not saying to throw money away, but look at what’s popular in “the world,” let the secular networks spend tons of money on research, and then produce what they are, but with a neutral or moral/Biblical view. We have an awesome opportunity. Why Hollywood doesn’t produce more G and PG movies is beyond me. The public goes to see them and the movies do well financially. And TV even reaches more people the do movies. The country wants family-friendly programming.

If you have a “stack” of good idea on your desk, then produce them. From what I’m told you have the money, and clearly you have the distribution…your network. Now get some good stuff out there, without having the TBN flavor to it and watch people flock. We need to evangelize. Period. It’s not a choice, God tells us to. Evangelism...witnessing...fulfilling the Great Commission. What does it all mean? Simply put, Christian evangelism is when we share our faith with others. Whether you evangelize personally or on TV. We don’t just need to preach at them. They find that a turn off. “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” -Luke 16:9 I’m no preacher, but this sure seems appropriate. The way I read it is use the “wealth” (knowledge or money) gained by the world, befriend them, and then use that to promote God.

So, the problem is all over the board…in Movies, Radio, Music, and most of all…TV. TV can be the leader in “the fix” because it’s the most prevalent and it can reach non-believers in their homes.

As a Christian network, bite the bullet. Have your clients produce commercial-ready programming, and the sell that time. There are tons of companies wanting “family-friendly”, not necessarily “Christian” programming. Spend the same time you would spend on fund-raising shows, and put it into SALES. Read http://www.philcooke.com/foxfaith to see where one unlikely studio is planning to put up some money to “test the waters.” Let’s not get so behind the secular world it’s too late. That would be shameful.

If you want to see a group trying to improve secular programming, just check out and join, www.parentstv.com. At least it’s doing “some” good.

It’s sad to hear your comment about “Christian TV Doesn’t Need Fixing.” As one of the influential people in Christian TV, I would hope you, of anybody, you and your family would take heed to the signs.

Again, I respect you, and what you and your parents have done, and my bluntness is meant to help, not hurt. Clearly you have been too close to your own crowd to see the world around you. Unfortunate.

God Bless,

Dan Nuckolls

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Paul,

Thanks for responding. Lets put the problem on paper. The schedule reads like a church infomercial, it's almost entirely pastors, ministers, ect...who's going to watch church all day long? I think TBN has a GREAT responsibility and potential reach and we should reconsider the type of programs available. Benny Hinn, the 700 club, pastor this, pastor that? Come on, that's just crazy!...Basically the whole channel is an infomercial for this ministry and that.

TBN is in an amazing position of influence and they are having little to no impact on the culture.

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