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Prime Time Prophets: TBN and
the Tenneys Episode One: “The Tenney-Chasers” The firm grip the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) merger generation had on the Apostolic movement began to slip at the retirement of N.A. Urshan. With the election of Kenneth Haney as the new General Superintendent, expectations for positive change quickly shifted into gear. Whether you realize it or not, on Tuesday, December 10, 2002, yet another significant milestone was passed. It was on that date that Reverend T.F. Tenney, one of the highest-profile UPCI officials today, was a guest on TBN’s “Praise The Lord” program hosted by Matthew Crouch, son of Trinity Broadcast Network's illustrious founder, Paul Crouch. A few weeks earlier, T. F. Tenney had approached the Louisiana District Board with news of the interest that TBN had shown in his forthcoming new book, More Power to You. After the success of his initial nationally-distributed book, Secret Sources of Power, written with his famous son, Tommy Tenney, the international charismatic network was eager to interview T.F. Tenney and expose the message of the new book to their audience. After learning of this tremendous opportunity to spread the Apostle's message, the Louisiana Board heartily endorsed their superintendent to accept TBN's invitation to appear. Unfortunately, I don't have a transcript of the interview. But if you get a chance to see a video copy of it, I encourage you to do so. It was obvious from the get-go that the hosts, Matthew Crouch and his wife, were no stranger to the Tenney family. Several references were made to a past visit by the Crouches to the UPCI Louisiana District campground. I was shocked, surprised, and somehow a bit proud that both Crouches referred to Bro. and Sis. Tenney as "Grandpa and Grandma Tenney!" After a few opening pleasantries were exchanged, Bro. Tenney began to speak a word of prophecy over Matthew Crouch. There was no, "Thus saith the Lord . . .", but a sense of history began to settle over me as Bro. Tenney told Crouch of a new understanding, a great revelation of Apostolic dimension and power that would be coming to him. Several references were made to the book of the Acts of the Apostles with regard to practicing Christianity as the apostles did. Forgive me for being a bit melodramatic, but I started to feel as if a torch was being passed from Tenney to Crouch. It was almost a generational thing. We Apostolics have brought Truth to this point in history, from brush arbors and storefronts to state-of-the-art buildings, methods, and acceptable public image. But our own traditions have prevented us from taking the Apostolic message around the world through the medium of television. “God is in control!” was the thought on my mind as the Tenneys and the younger Crouches conversed. Crouch is not only an integral part of today's TBN ministry, but as the heir apparent, he is the future. A future that could be guided by by a One-God, Apostolic, tongue-talking, Holy-Ghost, heaven-bound believer in the liberating power of Jesus name embodied in a TBN president named Matthew Crouch! The sheer genius of God as well as the anointed witness of T. F. Tenney gripped viewers around the world as the Apostolic message flowed onto the screen as naturally as the Holy Ghost fills a hungry heart. God is in control! Thetus Tenney, the UPCI's World Network of Prayer Coordinator, was as relaxed and informative as if she was telling a familiar anecdote at a Louisiana camp meeting. She spoke of the decision she made during the early days of the Tenney's ministry to put her family first. The Lord gave her assurance that His time for her would come. She related several personal stories of how prayer had always been given a high priority in their home life. Several times the effervescent Crouches made the inevitable references to the Tenney's son, Tommy, who has established a renowned writing ministry in the Charismatic and evangelical church world. Tommy was sitting offstage through much of the interview, then brought on camera due to references to him made by Matthew's giggling wife. (The show was replete with a few Christmas songs sang by ex-Apostolic Kenneth Phillips' son, Randy, of Phillips, Craig, and Dean.) After viewing a tape of the program (I was preaching in Georgia when the show was aired.) I was lost in thought for a great while. I remember when my Dad, the late J. H. Yohe, would come home from meetings of the Evangelism Commission back in the early ‘70’s. A small group of men brought together by then General Home Missions director J. T. Pugh. Dad would share with me many of the pros and cons they discussed about television ministry. Today, that same Evangelism Commission is more known for the Revival Of The Name emphasis and the Deeper Life meetings they held back in the seventies. Who knows? TBN may become the major media vehicle that God uses to send the whole gospel to the whole world before He comes. How ironic it would be if Tommy Tenney, infamous in Apostolic circles as a sell-out and a traitor to his heritage, actually turns out to be the greatest Apostolic soul winner of all time! Six billion people wait to hear what Peter preached at Pentecost. Whether or not God will reach the world with the whole gospel isn't the question. Whether organized Apostolic groups will be a major part of the end time harvest remains to be seen. With courageous Apostolic leaders like T. F. Tenney, it just might happen.
ninetyandnine.com © 2003, Jim H. Yohe --------- Evangelist Jim H. Yohe has written several books, countless articles, web manifestos, and the Believer's Bootcamp, a monthly column published in up to twenty-five magazines. Son of a Pentecostal pioneer, he preaches evangelistically as well as deeper life messages, as God has given him insight that is revealed through the gifts of the Spirit, including healing. Many of his writings can be found at www.faithchildcomm.com. |
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