Prominent American preacher and healing evangelist Kathryn Kuhlman (1907–1976) became well-known for her powerful preaching and healing ministry using the power of the Holy Spirit. Born to a German-American parents in Concordia, Missouri, on May 9, 1907. From a modest beginning, Kathryn became well-known worldwide, bringing big numbers to her revival meetings and leaving a legacy in the Pentecostal and charismatic Christian community.
Early years and Calling.
Raised in a devoted Christian environment, Kathryn gave her life to Jesus Christ at the age of fourteen. Early in her life, she felt a strong pull toward service. She started her evangelistic path after finishing high school alongside her sister and brother-in-law who were at the time traveling preachers.
Early in her 20s, she started holding her own evangelistic events, first in small Midwest communities. Her approach was distinguished by a strong love for God and a capacity for intimate connection with people.
Ministry and Ascending to Notability
When Kathryn started conducting big revival gatherings in the 1940s and 1950s, her ministry soared. She said she had a deep experience with the Holy Spirit in 1946 that changed her ministry work. Healing miracles became a main focus of her meetings from then on, even though she always underlined that she was only a conduit and that all healing came from God.
Her events drew thousands, usually filling big venues like the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and Carnegie Hall in New York City. Her hallmark line, “I believe in miracles, because I believe in God,” came to define her. During her services, people from all walks of life, including skeptics recorded being healed of different diseases.
Personal Life
In her personal life, Kathryn struggled greatly. She married evangelist Burroughs Waltrip in 1938, but her marriage broke down in divorce eight years later, a choice she felt profoundly impacted her. She was committed to her ministry despite personal challenges and frequently mentioned her dependency on God’s grace to keep her going.
History and Influence
Hosting a widely syndicated television program, I Believe in Miracles, Kathryn Kuhlman was a forerunner in the use of media for evangelism. Readers still find inspiration in her various books, God Can Do It Again and I Believe in Miracles.
Complications from open-heart surgery claimed her on February 20, 1976. Her influence lives on even after her passing; many Christians find great encouragement in her ministry.
Impact
In modern charismatic movement’s, Kathryn Kuhlman is known as a trailblazer. Her focus on the Holy Spirit and her capacity to relate to viewers helped heal denominational differences and exposed many to Christ’s message. For many modern evangelists, her ministry cleared the path and continues to be a compass for those yearning a closer relationship with God.
Last modified: January 28, 2025
