I have copied this article from the archives of the Baton Rouge Advocate. It is a relevant today as it was when it was written. Shows that there is certainly nothing new under the sun when it comes to JSM. Author(s): Greg Garland Date:January 30, 1992
Since Jimmy Swaggart‘s latest fall from grace, there have been three defining moments that seem to say a lot about the evangelist, his ministry and his problems. The first was when Swaggart went to the Family Worship Center to speak to his followers just days after he was stopped for a traffic violation in Indio, Calif., with a prostitute as his passenger.
Swaggarttold his followers that he wasn’t quitting the ministry, that he would be back taping television programs the next day and that the Lord had told him that what happened in Indio was “flat none of your business.”
Swaggart, who had been so quick to judge and condemn other fallen preachers, once again appeared to be saying that the normal standards of behavior that applied to others did not apply to him.
The reaction to Swaggart‘s stance was one of condemnation _ both from inside and outside the religious community. Several top-level administrators resigned from Swaggart‘s ministry that week.
Swaggart backed off after the intense outcry. He claimed his comments had been misinterpreted, and that he actually was stepping down for an unspecified period for rest, counseling and rehabilitation.
In fact, Swaggart did go to the studio to tape television programs, which were broadcast soon after the California scandal. Within six weeks, Swaggart was preaching again from the pulpit at Family Worship Center.
So much for rest and rehabilitation.
How, it seems fair to ask, would Swaggart have reacted if the Assemblies of God had proposed allowing fellow TV preacher Marvin Gorman back in the pulpit after six weeks of rehabilitation?
Swaggart appears to regard discipline as something appropriate only for others _ like Gorman _ not himself. Indeed, Swaggart‘s own refusal to submit to disciplinary action cost him his AOG credentials in 1988.
The second defining moment was the revelation that Swaggart had signed a purchase agreement with a potential buyer for the two large houses where the Swaggart family resides.
Although the deal reportedly has since fallen through, Swaggart‘s willingness to sell off the family compound spoke volumes about the severity of the financial problems facing the ministry.
The ministry, which once took in $142 million a year, clearly has fallen on hard times.
Laying off more than 200 employees and selling off television equipment, land, pianos and other items is one thing. Agreeing to sell off the Swaggarts’ personal residences is another thing altogether.
The third defining moment was Swaggart‘s summary dismissal last week of J.R. Heisch, administrator of the Family Christian Academy.
About 630 students are enrolled in preschool through 12th grade at the academy, which Heisch said is partly subsidized by the ministry. Heisch headed the school for seven years.
Heisch said Swaggart fired him because he wouldn’t pressure teachers to attend worship services at the ministry. Heisch said some teachers felt uncomfortable attending services in the wake of the latest scandal.
Heisch said Swaggart‘s wife, Frances, and son, Donnie, would note which staff members were not present at Wednesday evening and Sunday morning and evening services and send memos to them about their absences.
The strong-arm tactics may help fill some empty seats in the sparsely attended Family Worship Center, but the Swaggarts surely must realize that intimidation isn’t the way to win real respect.
Filling church pews with people who are there only because they don’t want to lose their jobs appears to be a hollow victory indeed _ and it paints a rather unflattering picture of the Swaggarts.
As Heisch notes, the teachers are not at fault for what happened in California _ Swaggart is _ and they can hardly be blamed if some of them have lost confidence in the evangelist.
The last thing the Swaggarts would appear to need now is to be surrounded by people who will only tell them what they want to hear, and who must profess their unconditional support.
The danger is that the Swaggarts may soon be left with only the most fanatical of followers _ and that what was once a strong, nationally recognized ministry may start to take on the trappings of a cult.
Copyright 1992 Capital City Press, Baton Rouge, La.
John says
Having spent much time around the ministry and Knowing many there I can say it is most definitely cult like in behavior. Biblical balance and scholarship is becoming no concern, it is simply becoming adoration of men and their personalities. Sadly I believe Jimmy Swaggart to be a truly God called and anointed Evangelist, however it seems apparent that he has abused his gifts anointing and calling leaving him with a house build on sand. If repentance does not take place there will definitely be more disaster at JSM.