Jim Bakker moved millions — of dollars and followers — with his TV ministry

NPR | By Kathryn Fink,

Sacha Pfeiffer, Sarah Handel

Published October 6, 2026 at 4:04 PM EDT

NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer talks with Dartmouth College religion professor Randall Balmer about Jim Bakker's legacy.

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Morning EditionAll Things ConsideredNational & International Obituaries

Kathryn Fink

Kathryn Fink is a producer with NPR's All Things Considered.

Sacha Pfeiffer

Correspondent, Investigations

Sarah Handel