The Economic Times

Who is Jay Bakker, son of Jim Bakker? Months before PTL founder's death, son spoke about his relationship with father and the 1987 scandal changed his childhood

Jay Bakker, son of televangelists Jim Bakker and Tammy Faye Messner, has spoken openly about how his parents 1987 scandal shaped his childhood and strained his relationship with his father. He described turning to alcohol and rebellion while coping with public scrutiny, fear and family upheaval. In 2026, Jay recalled feeling unwelcome in his hometown after the scandal. Now based in Seattle, he leads Revolution Church while working odd jobs and raising his children.