Crystal Cathedral megachurch files for bankruptcy

[Kevin]

These places seem to typically be built around one really charismatic leader. Soon as he leaves, the place tanks.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by Kevin

These places seem to typically be built around one really charismatic leader. Soon as he leaves, the place tanks.

Yep.

[honeychile]

Which begs the question: will the Billy Graham "empire" remain intact? I've heard both Franklin & Ruth (the daughter) Graham speak, and wondered if I was interested because of their father, or because of their message.

BTW, if you're prolife, you should try to hear or read about Ruth Graham's testimony.

[Ghostwriter]

Originally Posted by honeychile

Which begs the question: will the Billy Graham "empire" remain intact?

Not really sure if there is an "empire". Most of the Graham money was made via books and appearance fees. His Crusades were free to the public and they took up an offering to offset the costs. They are not poor by any stretch but I don't believe they are the mega rich either.

If by "empire" you mean the Crusades and huge stadium appearances by others in the family, I don't believe so. Franklin Graham just is not that charismatic. The one off stadium appearance, maybe, but not the mega Crusades of the past.

I actually went to a couple of Crusades events at Groves Stadium at Wake Forest University in the '70's. My Mom took me. I thought they were very boring but then I was a teen and if it wasn't R&R it wasn't for me.

Samaritan's Purse is a really great idea and works real well so Franklin has his niche.