The Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) is a Christian-based broadcast television network based in the United States. TBN was founded in 1973 by Paul and Jan Crouch, and today is the world’s largest Christian television network. It broadcasts 24 hours a day and offers a variety of Christian programming to millions of households across the globe.
Some key facts about TBN:
– It was founded in 1973 by Paul and Jan Crouch in California. They had a vision to spread the gospel via television using then-new satellite technology.
– TBN’s flagship program is the “Praise the Lord” program, which features well-known evangelists, teachers, singers and ministers from various denominations and backgrounds. This program helped launch TBN in the early years.
– TBN broadcasts on over two dozen satellite channels and thousands of cable affiliates worldwide. It offers both original Christian programming as well as acquired content.
– TBN owns and operates studios in California, Tennessee, Texas, Florida, Colorado, Italy and the UK. It has a global reach to millions of viewers.
– The network relies on viewer donations to fund operations. It is run as a non-profit organization.
– Over the years, TBN has expanded beyond just television broadcasting. It offers streaming content online, has a movie studio, produces live concerts and other entertainment, and more.
– TBN has faced some controversies over the years related to the lavish lifestyles of its founding Crouch family and alleged misuse of donor funds. However, it remains one of the most influential Christian networks.
– Its core audience skews older, but TBN has made efforts to expand reach to younger viewers in recent years. Programming runs the gamut from sermons to faith-based talk shows to children’s cartoons.
– TBN has helped promote the prosperity gospel, word of faith movement, and faith healing over the years. Critics argue it does not emphasize sound doctrine and Biblical teaching enough.
– Major ministries have broadcast over the years on TBN, including Joel Osteen, TD Jakes, Joyce Meyer, Charles Stanley, David Jeremiah and many more.
– TBN is available freely over the air and through cable/satellite providers. Viewers are encouraged to donate money and purchase resources to support TBN’s mission.
The question naturally arises: what does the Bible have to say about TBN and Christian television networks in general? A few principles can guide an assessment:
1. The Great Commission encourages spreading the gospel through all available means. Television and modern technology can help fulfill this mission (Matthew 28:19-20).
2. Jesus often taught and healed the multitudes, so mass communication aligns with His approach (Luke 5:1-3). However, He also invested deeply in individual disciples.
3. Impure motives like greed and deceit risk corrupting otherwise good work (1 Timothy 6:5; 2 Peter 2:3). Ministry leaders must safeguard against this.
4. We must test all teachings against Scripture to avoid misleading doctrine (Acts 17:11). Entertainment should not outweigh truth.
5. Supporting legitimate ministry work financially is encouraged, but donors must exercise wisdom (Philippians 4:15-17). Responsible stewardship matters.
6. All Christian work should be done with excellence, integrity, and reverence (Colossians 3:23). This glorifies God.
7. We must remember ministry is ultimately God’s work, not ours, so He deserves the credit for impact (1 Corinthians 3:7). Stay humble.
8. The global reach of television can speed the fulfillment of the Great Commission (Mark 13:10). More access is generally good.
9. But crowds following a teacher is not automatically indicative of truth or God’s blessing (Luke 4:14-15). Discern carefully.
10. All communication should be “seasoned with salt” – meaning grace, truth, and cognizance of impact (Colossians 4:6). Words matter.
In summary, television and media technology seem to align with Jesus’ model of broad outreach. TBN deserves credit for spreading the gospel worldwide. However, good intentions are not enough. The implementation must stay rooted in Scripture, avoid greed or deception, exalt sound doctrine, and point people to Jesus – not man. Discernment in viewing programming is important. If TBN can focus more on depth than breadth, steward funds well, and keep Jesus at the center, it can continue bearing good spiritual fruit. Christians would do well to pray for TBN leadership to have wisdom, integrity and a profound sense of mission. There are cautions about the format, but God can use TBN powerfully if submitted fully to His will.
Moving on from assessing TBN itself, the Bible offers guidance for Christian viewers navigating today’s array of televised ministry options. As entertainment and technology advance, principles ring true:
1. Let the Holy Spirit guide your viewing to bless and build you up in truth (John 16:13). Don’t consume thoughtlessly.
2. Study the Scripture diligently to assess all teachings you hear (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Check messages against the Bible.
3. Renew your mind not just intellectually but inwardly, to become more Christ-like (Romans 12:2). Knowledge isn’t enough.
4. Avoid teachers who seem greedy, immoral, deceitful, or heretical (2 Peter 2:1-3). Bad fruit reveals bad roots.
5. Look at whole networks, not just individual programs. Association matters (2 Corinthians 6:14).
6. Consider your motive. Is entertainment the draw or true spiritual growth? (Hebrews 4:12)
7. Be wary of manipulation tactics around money and emotions. Wisdom plus self-control are key (Proverbs 1:2-7).
8. Pray for spiritual discernment and guard against passive viewing (Philippians 1:9-10). Seek God’s guidance on what to watch and when.
9. Limit consumption and carefully select teachers who provoke hunger for Jesus’ word (Amos 8:11). Avoid overload.
10. Support ministries doing Scriptural work in ways aligned with your conscience (2 Corinthians 9:7). Not all are worthy.
The Bible does not forbid watching Christian television but encourages active discernment. Seek teachers who spur you to love and know Jesus better through sound handling of Scripture. Be wary of those who stray from Biblical truth. Avoid passivity or mindless viewing. What we consume shapes us, so choose wisely. Our heart motive matters too – we should watch to build spiritual depth and share Christ’s love, not simply satisfy curiosity. With wisdom and spiritual sensitivity, Christian television can bless lives. But that requires viewers taking an active, discerning role, not just passively receiving whatever is broadcast.
In conclusion, while recognizing valid concerns, TBN and Christian television fills an important role in God’s plan when submitted fully to His word and Holy Spirit guidance. This powerful communication platform can spread the gospel, edify believers, and bring hope to the lost if tempered by wisdom, integrity, and pure motives. Scripture gives helpful principles for networks to follow, and for viewers to assess programming – so Tuning in can bless us if we also tune our hearts to Christ through diligent study and obedience of God’s word. Let us pray for God to work mightily through those using media for eternal impact, while also taking care to develop personal spiritual depth that transcends any TV program.