Televangelism In The Eighties

"Televangelism"! This word has been coined to describe the communication of the gospel by television and video, a medium of gospel preaching which has developed phenomenally in recent years in North America. The number of "local TV stations which have religious formats" in the United States has more than doubled in the last twelve months. It is conservatively estimated that more than a billion dollars was spent by evangelical causes in the United States last year to purchase radio and TV time for the promotion of the gospel. This applies only to the evangelical preachers as distinct from "main line denominations" such as Catholic or Episcopal, which now have only a minor place in TV.

Paul made clear by the Spirit that there is a sense in which we should rejoice in every way that Christ is proclaimed (Phil. 1:18). God will in His sovereignty honour and use the "word of the truth of the gospel". Every voice which challenges people to face their need as sinners and believe in the Son of God as personal Saviour may be used to point the way to the new birth. So in the great burgeoning of gospel witness through TV and video in North America we recognize a development which could have powerful spiritual impact.

In this, like Paul, we rejoice in every way that Christ is proclaimed, recalling also that the Lord Jesus said, "He that is not against you is for you" (Luke 9:49-50). His disciples had been concerned about one who cast out demons in Jesus' Name but did not follow with them. We thankfully acknowledge this principle as we see the world-wide work of the Holy Spirit through the preaching of the gospel. All who truly promote the gospel of Christ are in this sense "for us

But on another occasion the Lord said, "He that gathereth not with Me scattereth" (Mat. 12:30). From this standpoint we have a responsibility to prove all things and hold fast that which is good (1 Thess. 5:21). The gathering of disciples into churches of God to give effect to the whole counsel of God was a primary objective of apostolic witness. This should be our aim also, and in this connection some trends call for comment. There is of course a wide spectrum of activity and a great variety of approach. Some present the gospel through conservative preaching and discussion. Other programmes are in "show-biz" style, with accent on entertainment and spectacular appeal, methods which may so easily detract from the work of the Holy Spirit. But we draw more particular attention to two other features of the North American scene.

The Pervasiveness of Financial Appeal

"The gospel of the glory of the blessed God" flows from the heart of a giving God. He is possessor of heaven and earth, and His gospel should be vibrant with the fulness of the Gift of His Son, with whom the believer is given all things (Rom. 8:32). In harmony with this Paul was concerned to "make the gospel without charge" (1 Cor. 9:8), and warned against supposing that godliness was a way of gain (1 Tim. 5:5).

In sharp contrast to such scriptural considerations a commentator regards televangelism today to be characterized by "an unrelenting emphasis on money ... Fund raising is pervasive... The preacher's fund raising, the stuff of jokes and sometimes of scandal, is prodigious". Doubtless most of the millions of dollars subscribed as a result of these appeals is used to good advantage by the organizations concerned, although some of the preachers have left themselves open to criticism because of a lavish life style. But the impression that gospel evangelism is so money centred seems entirely alien to scriptural precedent.

Political Associations

The televangelism scene tends to be dominated by preachers of strong personality appeal whose dynamism attracts a following of several million viewers. A combination of these followings may become a significant factor in the political scene. Some of these leading personalities in the United States have espoused political and social causes. Their powerful influence is attractive to the politicians, who see in this the possibility of harnessing millions of votes in their own political interests.

At a recent convention of National Religious Broadcasters, which was dominated by top evangelical preachers, many Congressmen and Senators attended. The Southern Baptist preacher, "Pat" Robertson whose daily "gospel show" reaches over sixteen million TV households each month, is understood to be a possible candidate for the U.S. Presidency. "He applies his vision of scriptural truth to public concerns".

We can only deplore the involvement of evangelical leaders in political issues. The preacher of the gospel should be neutral to the political poles. His business is to win souls and make disciples for the Lord. The Lord Jesus refused to be drawn into adjudication on political issues or even a private grievance about an inheritance right (see Mat. 22:17-27; Luke 12:13,14; John 6:15). In keeping with the Master's example His apostles also concentrated entirely on their spiritual service. They had their priorities right, understanding clearly the nature of this world's political systems and the Christian calling in separation from them (see John 15:18-21; 17:14-17; 1 Cor. 2:6-7; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; James 4:4 and Rev. 11:15).

unknown | Jun 1986
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