Paul Crouch - Background

Paul Franklin Crouch (Paul Crouch Sr.) was born on March 30th, 1934, the son of Pentecostal missionaries. He became interested in radio, and said that he would use this technology to "send the Gospel around the world."

He graduated from the Central Bible Institute and Seminary in Springfield, Missouri in 1955 with a degree in Theology. He has also received three honorary doctorates: Doctor of Litterarum from the California Graduate School of Theology; Doctor of Divinity from the American Christian Theological Seminary; Doctor of Laws degree from Oral Roberts University.

Paul Crouch and Janice Bethany (Crouch) met in 1957 and were married in Missouri. They have two sons, Paul Crouch Jr. and Matthew Crouch.

Crouch began his career in broadcasting at the educational AM station (KCBI-AM) while studying at Central Bible Institute and Seminary. In 1957, he became a radio announcer at KRSD in Rapid City, South Dakota, and quickly progressed to Program Director. Soon after he was managing its sister station, KRSD - TV.

In 1961, Paul Crouch was appointed by the General Council of the Assemblies of God to organize and operate their newly-formed Department of Television and Film Production in Burbank, California. He was responsible for producing films focused on foreign missions. From 1965 to 1970, he was General Manager of KREL radio in Corona, California, and then moved on to be General Manager for both KHOF-FM and KHOF-TV in San Bernadino, California.

In 1973, Crouch left KHOF and with his wife, Jan, founded Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN). The Trinity Broadcasting Network has become the largest Christian television network in the United States, and is the third largest group owner of broadcast TV stations in the U.S.

TBN is viewed globally, not only on TV and Cable affiliates, but also on the internet www.tbn.org. In addition to TBN, Crouch and his wife created and oversee operations for TBN's affiliated television networks: Smile of a Child - Children's Channel, JCTV - Youth Network, The Church Channel, TBN Enlace USA - Spanish Language Network, and many more.