The History of the Faith Movement

In the 1940s and 1950s, Pentecostal healing revivalists began to look further than divine health as the miracle of their ministries. Increasingly, they accepted a theology of abundance that expanded the boundaries of what Christ's death and resurrection promised for the Christian life. Christ's atonement offered believers a life of victory, one of longevity, family wholeness, financial security, and good health. For this, some would called it "The Prosperity Gospel."

Kenneth Hagin, Oral Roberts, and Kenneth Copeland, a student of both, served as its primary spokesmen. With a healing revival in full swing and many itinerants still beating the preaching circuit, Kenneth Hagin, Oral Roberts, and others folded up their tents in favor of established ministries, a focus on finances, and new television and radio media to promulgate their message.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Faith ministries gained momentum as the major disseminators of the message were set in place. Oral Roberts Ministries established Oral Roberts University (1963). Kenneth Hagin ministries established Word of Faith magazine (1968) and Rhema Bible Institute (1974). Kenneth Copeland Ministries (1967) and Believer’s Voice of Victory Magazine (1973). Teachers such as Jerry Savelle, Jesse Duplantis, Frederick Price, and Marilyn Hickey gained national recognition.

In the 1980s, the public face of the Faith movement was televangelism. Jimmy Swaggart, Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, and Pat Robertson ruled the airwaves.

In the 1990s, burnt-out on the excesses of prosperity-driven televangelism, America turned to a new kind of Faith preacher. Therapeutic language dominated, as teachers began to address the therapeutic needs of their congregations. Believers preferred teachers such as T.D. Jakes. Joel Osteen, and Joyce Meyer, who preached a Faith message with a psychological cast. God offered not only material benefits, but the fruits of the spirit could also be enjoyed as peace of mind and family wholeness.

The Faith Movement grew from multiple sources, spread diffusely, and will continue to be reflected in many believers, churches, and teachers that represent faith theology.