KENNETH HAGIN SR.: Father of the Word of Faith Movement
Dr. Kenneth Hagin Sr. is considered by many to be the “father” of the Word of Faith movement, but his impact on the charismatic church goes far deeper than that.
From his humble beginnings as a sickly child to his astounding conversion story to his early ministry as an itinerant Bible teacher and traveling evangelist, Hagin learned faith and patience as he continued to grow into the spiritual leader he would soon become.
A strong believer in the power of faith and of the spoken word, Hagin taught the power of “positive confession.” With a laid-back preaching style and a healing ministry that drew thousands to his crusades, Hagin quickly became a sought-after figure. In 1963, he established the Kenneth E. Hagin Evangelistic Association—now known as Kenneth Hagin Ministries—through which he broadened his reach via radio sermons, television programs, the Word of Faith monthly magazine and a publishing house.
In addition to his crusades, media broadcasts, teaching and other activities, Hagin was a highly accomplished author, with dozens of books to his credit. Despite helping to pioneer the Word of Faith movement, Hagin was a humble man who lived relatively simply. Perhaps stemming from his own meager origins, Hagin was, by all accounts, far more interested in following the move of the Spirit than any sort of personal legacy or gain, likely another trait that drew so many to what he had to say. Though he passed away in 2003, his work lives on. Through the organizations, programs, and publications he founded, as well as in the leaders, ministries and movements he so profoundly influenced, Hagin’s profound faith continues to make its mark on countless believers worldwide.—Jeremy Burns
