If you’ve ever wondered what happened to Jimmy Swaggart, you’re not alone. The American evangelist and gospel singer has been a prominent figure in religious broadcasting for decades, experiencing both extraordinary success and very public setbacks. This blog post unpacks what happened to Jimmy Swaggart—from his early ministry, through his scandals, to his current health crisis in 2025.
What Happened to Jimmy Swaggart? The Scandal That Shook American Evangelism
Few names in American televangelism have stirred as much admiration—and later controversy—as Jimmy Swaggart. From his charismatic preaching and soulful gospel music to his dramatic downfall, Swaggart’s story is a blend of faith, fame, scandal, and survival. But what happened to Jimmy Swaggart that made national headlines and changed his ministry forever?
The phrase “what happened to Jimmy Swaggart” is often associated with the scandals that shook his ministry and reputation:
- 1988 Sex Scandal: In February 1988, Swaggart was caught in the company of a prostitute in New Orleans, leading to a tearful public confession and apology from the pulpit. This incident was especially controversial because Swaggart had previously criticized other televangelists for similar behavior.
- Church Discipline: The Assemblies of God suspended Swaggart from preaching for three months and required two years of counseling. However, church leaders later defrocked him, removing his ministerial credentials after determining he was not fully repentant.
- Continued Ministry: Despite the scandals, Swaggart continued his ministry independently, founding Jimmy Swaggart Ministries and the SonLife Broadcasting Network, and maintained a loyal following.
The Fall from Grace
The turning point came in 1988, when Jimmy Swaggart was embroiled in a sex scandal that sent shockwaves across religious and secular communities alike.
Here’s what happened to Jimmy Swaggart:
- In February 1988, Swaggart was caught with a prostitute in a Louisiana motel.
- The scandal broke when fellow evangelist Marvin Gorman—whom Swaggart had previously accused of similar moral failings—hired a private investigator to follow Swaggart.
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When confronted, Swaggart took to the pulpit and made his infamous tearful confession, saying:
“I have sinned against You, my Lord.”
That moment, broadcast to millions, became one of the most iconic—and tragic—images in American televangelism history.
A Second Scandal
Just when Swaggart appeared to be rebuilding his ministry, a second scandal struck in 1991.
- He was again linked to a prostitute, this time caught driving with one in California.
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Swaggart refused to step down from preaching, famously telling his congregation,
“The Lord told me it's flat none of your business.”
This response led to a loss of support from many Pentecostal leaders and further damage to his credibility.