BATON ROUGE, La. — The Reverend Jimmy Swaggart, a prominent figure in American evangelical circles, has passed away at the age of 90. His death was announced on social media Tuesday, following a prolonged hospitalization after suffering cardiac arrest on June 15.
“Today, our hearts are heavy as we share that Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Savior, Jesus Christ,” the Swaggart family stated. “Today was the day he has sung about for decades. He met his beloved Savior and entered the portals of glory. At the same time, we rejoice knowing that we will see him again one day.”
The Rise and Fall of a Televangelist
Jimmy Swaggart was best known as a charismatic Pentecostal preacher with a vast following, whose career was marred by scandal in the late 1980s. In 1988, Swaggart was embroiled in controversy after being caught on camera with a prostitute in New Orleans, a scandal that mirrored the downfall of several high-profile televangelists of the era.
Despite the scandal, Swaggart continued his ministry, albeit with a diminished audience. His tearful 1988 sermon, where he confessed, “I have sinned against you,” remains one of the most memorable moments in televangelism history.
“I have sinned against you,” Swaggart told parishioners nationwide. “I beg you to forgive me.”
Following the scandal, Swaggart resigned from the Assemblies of God after the church moved to defrock him for rejecting a prescribed punishment for “moral failure.” Swaggart insisted that leaving the church was necessary to preserve his ministry and Bible college.
A Legacy of Faith and Music
Born into a music-rich family in Ferriday, Louisiana, Swaggart was the son of a preacher and grew up alongside cousins Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley, both of whom pursued successful music careers. Swaggart himself was a talented musician, excelling at piano and gospel music, which he incorporated into his ministry.
Swaggart began preaching at a young age and fully committed to his ministry by the age of 23. His dynamic preaching style, combined with his musical talent, made him a popular figure at Assemblies of God revivals and camp meetings.
“For over seven decades, Brother Swaggart poured out his life preaching the gospel, singing songs of the faith, and pointing millions to the saving power of Jesus Christ and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit,” his family said in their statement. “His voice echoed through nations, his music softened hearts, and his message never changed: Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”
Building a Media Empire
Swaggart’s influence extended beyond the pulpit as he ventured into radio and television. His messages resonated with thousands of congregants and millions of TV viewers, making him a household name by the late 1980s. At its peak, Jimmy Swaggart Ministries was a financial powerhouse, reportedly generating $142 million in 1986.
Contributors built Jimmy Swaggart Ministries into a business that made an estimated $142 million in 1986.
The ministry’s Baton Rouge complex continues to house a worship center and broadcasting facilities. Even in his later years, Swaggart remained active in his ministry, often joined by his son, Donnie. His radio station broadcast church services and gospel music to 21 states, and his ministry maintained a global audience online.
Enduring Influence and Final Years
While Swaggart largely stayed out of the spotlight in recent years, he continued to make occasional public appearances. In 2005, he sang “Amazing Grace” at the funeral of Louisiana Secretary of State Fox McKeithen. In 2022, he shared memories at the memorial service for his cousin, Jerry Lee Lewis, with whom he had released a gospel album earlier that year.
“He was not just a preacher—he was a worshiper, a warrior, and a witness to the grace and mercy of God,” his family continued. “He was a man whose faith was steadfast and always entered whatever door the Lord opened. And the Lord honored that faith.”
As the world reflects on Swaggart’s life and legacy, his impact on evangelical Christianity and media remains significant. His story serves as both a testament to the power of faith and a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of fame and influence.
