TBN Founder: "A Pioneer With a Powerful Vision" Who Will Be "Deeply Missed"

Dr. Paul Crouch, one of the pioneers of religious broadcasting, has died at the age of 79. Dr. Crouch, died at his home in California on Saturday after what family members called a decade-long fight with degenerative heart disease.

Dr. Crouch began his broadcasting career while studying theology at Central Bible Institute and Seminary in his native Missouri by helping build the campus' radio station. He moved to California in the early 1960's to manage the movie and television unit of the Assemblies of God before founding Trinity Broadcast Network (TBN) in 1973 with his wife, Jan.

TBN reaches every major continent via 84 satellite channels and over 18,000 television and cable affiliates around the world. In addition to TBN, Dr. Crouch developed and oversaw operations for TBN’s affiliated television networks which are broadcast worldwide.

ACLJ Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow said Paul Crouch will be missed.

"Paul truly was a pioneer with a powerful vision for delivering the Gospel in a manner that reached millions around the world. He understood the power of the Gospel. His ministry and broadcast operations touched the lives of many in this country and abroad - including all of us at the ACLJ. Paul will be deeply missed."

TBN posted this statement on its website: "Dr. Paul F. Crouch passed into the presence of the Lord on November 30, 2013. We are grateful for the life of this amazing servant of God. Please pray for the Crouch family during this time."