Trinity Broadcasting Network / TBN 
The information on this page was last updated 8/25/2023. If you see errors or omissions, please email: [email protected]
Summary
Launched in 1973 by Christian television pioneers Paul and Jan Crouch, TBN began as one low-power television station broadcasting a few hours of Christian programming each day to viewers throughout the Los Angeles area. In the years since, TBN has grown into a family of over thirty twenty-four-hour global networks reaching every inhabited continent with entertaining, inspirational, and life-changing programming for every family member and demographic.
Contact information
Mailing address:
Trinity Broadcasting Network
PO Box 316
Forth Worth, TX 76161-3160
Website: www.tbn.org
Phone: (714) 832-2950
Email: [email protected]
Organization details
EIN: 952844062
CEO/President: Matthew Crouch
Chairman: Brian Mclean
Board size: 3
Founder: Paul and Jan Crouch
Ruling year: 1977
Tax deductible: Yes
Fiscal year end: 12/31
Member of ECFA: No
Member of ECFA since:
Purpose
Founded in 1973 by Paul and Jan Crouch, TBN began as a dream to "build a Christian television network that spans the whole world." Today that dream is reality...and still expanding! Our programming is broadcast in not only America, but also Europe and the Middle East, Russia, Central Africa, Spain, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand, India, Indonesia, Brazil, and more. Some countries even have original programming in addition to translated shows, reaching people in their own language.
TBN features teaching from some of the world's most dynamic ministers, the Praise variety program with faith-based interviews and special guests, wholesome movies, news with a Christian worldview, and much, much more.
Mission statement
For nearly 50 years the mission of the Trinity Broadcasting Network has remained unchanged: To use every available means to reach as many individuals and families as possible with the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Statement of faith
Trinity Broadcasting Network uses the following to express its Statement of Faith:
1. We believe that the Holy Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative source of Christian doctrine and precept.
2. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
3. We believe that man was created in the image of God, but as a result of sin is lost and powerless to save himself.
4. We believe that the only hope for man is to believe on Jesus Christ, the virgin-born Son of God, Who died to take upon Himself the punishment for the sin of mankind, and Who rose from the dead, so that by receiving Him as Savior and Lord, man is redeemed by His Blood.
5. We believe that Jesus Christ in person will return to earth in power and glory.
6. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells those who have received Christ for the purpose of enabling them to live righteous and godly lives.
7. We believe that the Church is the Body of Christ and is composed of all those who, through belief in Christ, have been spiritually regenerated by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The mission of the Church is worldwide evangelization on the one hand, and the nurture and discipline of Christians on the other.
Donor confidence score
Transparency grade
D
To understand our transparency grade, click here.
Financial efficiency ratings
Sector: Radio/ TV Stations
| Category | Rating | Overall rank | Sector rank |
| Overall efficiency rating | | 930 of 1091 | 25 of 28 |
| Fund acquisition rating | | 325 of 1094 | 10 of 29 |
| Resource allocation rating | | 971 of 1094 | 23 of 29 |
| Asset utilization rating | | 1069 of 1091 | 28 of 28 |
Financial ratios
| Funding ratios | Sector median | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
Return on fundraising efforts Return on fundraising efforts = Fundraising expense / Total contributions | 6% | 3% | 4% | 22% | 35% | 8% |
Fundraising cost ratio Fundraising cost ratio = Fundraising expense / Total revenue | 5% | 1% | 2% | 11% | 14% | 2% |
Contributions reliance Contributions reliance = Total contributions / Total revenue | 88% | 50% | 40% | 52% | 41% | 30% |
Fundraising expense ratio Fundraising expense ratio = Fundraising expense / Total expenses | 7% | 2% | 2% | 1% | 9% | 8% |
Other revenue reliance Other revenue reliance = Total other revenue / Total revenue | 12% | 50% | 60% | 48% | 59% | 70% |
| Operating ratios | Sector median | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
Program expense ratio Program expense ratio = Program services / Total expenses | 78% | 68% | 72% | 96% | 65% | 57% |
Spending ratio Spending ratio = Total expenses / Total revenue | 84% | 75% | 110% | 1147% | 166% | 30% |
Program output ratio Program output ratio = Program services / Total revenue | 66% | 51% | 79% | 1095% | 108% | 17% |
Savings ratio Savings ratio = Surplus (deficit) / Total revenue | 16% | 25% | -10% | -1047% | -66% | 70% |
Reserve accumulation rate Reserve accumulation rate = Surplus (deficit) / Net assets | 8% | 14% | -5% | -488% | -9% | 38% |
General and admin ratio General and admin ratio = Management and general expense / Total expenses | 15% | 30% | 26% | 4% | 26% | 35% |
| Investing ratios | Sector median | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
Total asset turnover Total asset turnover = Total expenses / Total assets | 0.36 | 0.41 | 0.46 | 5.10 | 0.21 | 0.16 |
Degree of long-term investment Degree of long-term investment = Total assets / Total current assets | 1.72 | 23.24 | 19.39 | 36.34 | 2.07 | 1.84 |
Current asset turnover Current asset turnover = Total expenses / Total current assets | 0.90 | 9.58 | 8.96 | 185.33 | 0.44 | 0.30 |
| Liquidity ratios | Sector median | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
Current ratio Current ratio = Total current assets / Total current liabilities | 19.15 | 6.44 | 6.09 | 4.36 | 34.34 | 30.01 |
Current liabilities ratio Current liabilities ratio = Total current liabilities / Total current assets | 0.05 | 0.16 | 0.16 | 0.23 | 0.03 | 0.03 |
Liquid reserve level Liquid reserve level = (Total current assets - Total current liabilities) / (Total expenses / 12) | 12.51 | 1.06 | 1.12 | 0.05 | 26.60 | 38.59 |
| Solvency ratios | Sector median | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
Liabilities ratio Liabilities ratio = Total liabilities / Total assets | 9% | 5% | 6% | 5% | 4% | 2% |
Debt ratio Debt ratio = Debt / Total assets | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Reserve coverage ratio Reserve coverage ratio = Net assets / Total expenses | 184% | 231% | 204% | 19% | 453% | 596% |
Financials
| Balance sheet | |||||
| Assets | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
| Cash | $4,993,351 | $4,772,699 | $1,558,877 | $15,018,331 | $44,429,844 |
| Receivables, inventories, prepaids | $4,515,861 | $4,576,199 | $3,486,854 | $16,897,997 | $15,730,193 |
| Short-term investments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $488,148,108 | $585,778,960 |
| Other current assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total current assets | $9,509,212 | $9,348,898 | $5,045,731 | $520,064,436 | $645,938,997 |
| Long-term investments | $53,989,753 | $37,977,670 | $37,532,644 | $36,425,708 | $21,715,000 |
| Fixed assets | $137,062,219 | $130,796,050 | $133,922,191 | $233,353,493 | $223,830,271 |
| Other long-term assets | $20,428,171 | $3,176,974 | $6,881,169 | $284,736,358 | $294,152,604 |
| Total long-term assets | $211,480,143 | $171,950,694 | $178,336,004 | $554,515,559 | $539,697,875 |
| Total assets | $220,989,355 | $181,299,592 | $183,381,735 | $1,074,579,995 | $1,185,636,872 |
| Liabilities | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
| Payables and accrued expenses | $677,602 | $864,596 | $645,342 | $8,996,307 | $7,037,919 |
| Other current liabilities | $798,673 | $670,953 | $512,305 | $6,149,930 | $14,487,994 |
| Total current liabilities | $1,476,275 | $1,535,549 | $1,157,647 | $15,146,237 | $21,525,913 |
| Debt | $0 | $0 | $50,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Due to (from) affiliates | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other long-term liabilities | $8,677,499 | $9,045,318 | $7,235,432 | $26,974,026 | $6,751,381 |
| Total long-term liabilities | $8,677,499 | $9,045,318 | $7,285,432 | $26,974,026 | $6,751,381 |
| Total liabilities | $10,153,774 | $10,580,867 | $8,443,079 | $42,120,263 | $28,277,294 |
| Net assets | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
| Without donor restrictions | $210,763,632 | $170,646,776 | $174,866,707 | $1,032,285,902 | $1,157,137,028 |
| With donor restrictions | $71,949 | $71,949 | $71,949 | $173,830 | $222,550 |
| Net assets | $210,835,581 | $170,718,725 | $174,938,656 | $1,032,459,732 | $1,157,359,578 |
| Revenues and expenses | |||||
| Revenue | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
| Total contributions | $60,576,896 | $30,600,131 | $42,337,910 | $55,789,749 | $192,847,585 |
| Program service revenue | $56,661,553 | $43,335,891 | $35,172,447 | $54,099,416 | $58,064,123 |
| Membership dues | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Investment income | $1,130,490 | $988,902 | $3,614,071 | $18,301,537 | $384,142,888 |
| Other revenue | $2,606,406 | $995,346 | $397,742 | $9,198,584 | $2,977,024 |
| Total other revenue | $60,398,449 | $45,320,139 | $39,184,260 | $81,599,537 | $445,184,035 |
| Total revenue | $120,975,345 | $75,920,270 | $81,522,170 | $137,389,286 | $638,031,620 |
| Expenses | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
| Program services | $61,938,876 | $60,318,525 | $893,034,895 | $148,353,590 | $111,397,989 |
| Management and general | $27,405,915 | $22,110,713 | $32,946,814 | $59,720,267 | $67,252,857 |
| Fundraising | $1,791,621 | $1,306,518 | $9,132,751 | $19,677,475 | $15,526,517 |
| Total expenses | $91,136,412 | $83,735,756 | $935,114,460 | $227,751,332 | $194,177,363 |
| Change in net assets | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
| Surplus (deficit) | $29,838,933 | ($7,815,486) | ($853,592,290) | ($90,362,046) | $443,854,257 |
| Other changes in net assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total change in net assets | $29,838,933 | ($7,815,486) | ($853,592,290) | ($90,362,046) | $443,854,257 |
Compensation
| Name | Title | Compensation |
| Matthew W Crouch | President | $829,697 |
| Colby May | Director | $685,590 |
| Robert Fopma | COO | $393,000 |
| Laurie M Crouch | Vice Preside | $388,975 |
| James A Mittan | Treasurer/Cf | $363,769 |
| Trent Gibson | Captain Airc | $274,637 |
| Russell E Hall | VP Productio | $272,502 |
| Larry Haley | Senior VP En | $270,202 |
| Carl Emanuel Eddyson | Digital Plat | $263,102 |
| Margaret C Tucillo | Secretary | $186,846 |
Compensation data as of: 12/31/2021
Response from ministry
No response has been provided by this ministry.
The information below was provided to MinistryWatch by the ministry itself. It was last updated 8/25/2023. To update the information below, please email: [email protected]
History
Nearly fifty years ago Christian television pioneers Paul and Jan Crouch joined a small group of dedicated friends and partners to step out by faith into a God-birthed vision to use television to take the life-changing message of Jesus Christ across America and around the world..
The beginnings were modest, as TBN launched on May 28, 1973, with one small, part-time station airing a few hours of homemade Christian programming each day throughout the Los Angeles area. But God breathed life into this humble start, and soon people from all walks of life and circumstances were tuning in. Lives were changed, the word spread, and before long folks across America and beyond were asking for this miracle of Christian television. Within just a few years TBN was expanding to cities across the U.S., and then to nations and locales around the world, where millions experienced the message of hope and grace through Jesus for the first time through innovative, life-transforming Christian programming.
Right from the start, Paul and Jan insisted that the growth of TBN should be founded on the prayer and partnership of everyday individuals who enjoyed TBN's programming and were enthusiastic about its vision to reach individuals and families with the love of Jesus. Early on TBN introduced an innovative partnership program, called the Praise-a-Thon, designed to bring viewers up-close to all the excitement and action on the TBN set, and give them a sense of the passion for souls and love for Jesus that motivated everything that was happening at TBN.
Praise-a-Thon is an unforgettable experience - and a blessing for both the viewers and those participating in the studio. A typical Praise-a-Thon includes live music by award-winning and anointed Christian artists of the day, inspiring messages from top pastors and Christian leaders, and plenty of testimonies of lives changed as a result of people turning in to TBN. Of course, the crucial theme and thread running through every Praise-a-Thon from start to finish is an invitation for our viewers to become partners with TBN in regular prayer and financial commitment - literally to become a part of the TBN family in helping take the miracle of Christian television to every corner of the earth.
The success of TBN's Praise-a-Thons speaks for itself. During the more than forty year broadcast run of the Praise-a-Thons, untold thousands of viewers and friends embraced TBN as "their network," praying regularly for TBN and sowing their precious financial gifts into the good ground of TBN's ever-expanding global outreach.
The result is that today TBN touches over 175 nations in more than a dozen languages through 30 (and growing) global networks airing a wide range of church and ministry programming, Christian music and worship, compelling talk, family-friendly movies, children's programming, and exciting, relevant content for teens and young adults.
TBN has always been quick to embrace technologies that extend its reach to more people with the hope of the gospel. In the 1970s TBN was one of the first networks to use satellite to broadcast its programming globally. TBN was also an early leader in using the Internet to share its content online. Today millions of viewers around the world use TBN's apps to watch our TBN networks live on smart phones, tablets, and laptops. Additionally, thousands of hours of exclusive content are available to viewers everywhere through TBN's on-demand video platform.
Recognizing the great need to reach men and women in prison with the love of Jesus, several years ago we launched TBN 2nd Chance, a compassionate outreach providing TBN's top Christian networks for free to hundreds of prisons across the U.S. - impacting a potential of over one million inmates.
Without a doubt, we've come a long way since that memorable evening in May 1973, when Paul and Jan Crouch joined their small team of friends and partners to dedicate TBN to God before going on the air for the very first time. Asked shortly before his passing about the secret behind TBN's fruitfulness and success, Paul reflected: "There were certainly people with far more ability and resources that God could have used to take the message of Jesus to the nations through television. But with all of our lack and limits, we had three essential qualities that made all the difference: We were available, we had faith to believe God for the impossible, and we had a core of partners who shared our vision and stood with us. And it is those qualities that will continue to keep TBN on task, taking hope and healing to the nations - until Jesus returns."
Program accomplishments
The world's largest religious network and-according to Nielsen Ratings-"America's most-watched faith channel," TBN offers inspirational programming 24/7. Its waves cover the globe via 78 satellites, allowing TBN to reach more than 100 million households in the US alone.