TV Evangelism is also known as Televangelism. It is defined as the use of television in order to spread Christianity. There are a number of famous televangelists, such as Joel Olsteen and Joyce Meyer. The God Channel and Trinity Broadcasting are some of the networks which host TV evangelists. Before television evangelists took to preaching over the radio, and then at last it began to take its roots in television during the 1930s. After World War II TV evangelism really began to take off in popularity. Fulton J. Sheen is commonly known as the first Televangelist, although he didn't switch from radio to television until 1951.
Other noteworthy TV evangelists through the years include Oral Roberts, Billy Graham, Jimmy Swaggart, Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, and Robert Schuller. Although some TV evangelists certainly are denominational, most are not. Many such evangelists focus on common points that many denominations hold in common, like emotional and physical healing, God's love, forgiveness, and so on.
There are quite a few misconceptions about TV evangelists and many things that the majority of people don't realize. It is certainly true that there are a select number of TV evangelists who are incredibly wealthy, and the media and those who have feelings against televangelists tend to focus on this fact. Many of these individuals, however, come from the previous generation—the new generation is likely to be somewhat different. The majority of TV evangelists actually struggle financially and have to fight even to keep their programs on air, but they do so because they want to and feel it is their mission.
They want to share the gospel with others and keep Christianity alive and vibrant. It should also be mentioned that the Bible does not condemn money itself, and in fact teaches about abundance and prosperity on all levels, even many Godly men of the Bible were rich—the biggest factor that is contrary to Christianity is not wealth itself, but putting that wealth above God.
It also looks like the aforementioned new generation of televangelists will be quite creative. They have been using reality programming, documentaries, short films, dramatic movies, and talk shows in order to spread the truth on a broader level culturally. Many evangelists are also moving to the Internet, which certainly isn't a bad thing, as the Internet becomes more and more substantial.
Many of those TV evangelists that we see from a distance genuinely care about the people they are teaching. They are, essentially, pastors at heart, and are seldom narcissistic or greedy. It is not, generally, about popularity or wealth—but about reaching people on a new demographic. It is about those on the other end. After all, one of the best ways to spread the word about something is doubtlessly television. Many people who preach on television are even somewhat uneasy in front of the camera. Televangelism, also, must be entertaining. This sometimes cuts away from the deeper theology that many televangelists do have, but often those deeper ideas and facts just don't translate so well unto the screen. The message must be simple and very engaging, but it is still beneficial and useful.
There are many benefits of televangelism, for one thing, it is easily accessible. This is good for those who are housebound for one reason or another, and it gives them a chance to easily tap into the Bible and healing words from the comfort of their own home. If a person suffers from a physical ailment, does not live near a church—or a church of their denomination—or if there is any other possible cause that would keep an individual from a church, televangelism is a worthy substitute. It is also far- reaching and can touch the lives of many, many people, across the country, and all from their living room. The power TV evangelism has to make an impact on so many people from so many walks of life is virtually unfathomable.
Many messages which are spread through TV evangelists are extremely positive, uplifting, and encouraging. Many of these pastors discuss principles which are, regardless of religion—although definitely intrinsic in Christianity—in many ways very healthy. We hear, constantly, from the news and even TV shows and movies how dark the world is, how full of suffering, division, cruelty, hatred, and pain it is. Most things on television only perpetuate these elements, but if nothing else the vast majority do nothing in the way of uplifting a person. Televangelism, on the other hand, talks about walking away from negative pulls and forces in our lives and focusing on being grateful and positive. They talk about forgiveness, doing good to those who have harmed us, integrity, and kindness.
Imagine if everyone thought that way—how much better every work place would be, every school, every community and country. In the end it builds confidence in those who listen, and this can even be said of many non-believers. By teaching self-love, mercy, and grace, many people's lives are improving—and thus society is enriched as well. Those who understand love show others, through their walk, what it is, thus perpetuating the positive aspects of humanity—not the adverse ones.
A lot of people have testimonials of being saved simply through televangelism. There are quite a few who have written in, talking about healed lives, bodies, families, and hearts. Each individuals tells their story about how the healing words heard through a TV evangelist have transformed their lives. Many people would not have even been saved if it weren't for tuning into the right TV program at the right time, and according to many, it changed everything for the better. These testimonials can be found in various places.
With all of the hateful things which can be found on TV it is very refreshing to have an alternative option. Many positive effects have also been felt in other countries where it is easier to listen to a TV—or a radio—than to attend a church building. The advantages which accompany Christianity in general, and any other form evangelism, typically follow televangelism. The respect for human life and human rights, unconditional love, confidence, healing, and forgiveness are some of the most positive traits a human can know and live by.