Herbert Armstrong was born on July 31, 1892, in Iowa. He was raised in a Quaker tradition by his parents but in his 30s, he decided to abandon their beliefs and joined the Church of God (Seventh Day). This decision led him to become an ordained minister within the church.
In 1934, Armstrong founded the Worldwide Church of God. He saw the potential of using media to spread his message and quickly became one of the first televangelists. Before the age of television, he took advantage of a local radio station's offer of free airtime for a quick devotional. The positive audience response led him to start his own radio show, which was the beginning of his journey to becoming a prominent figure in religious broadcasting.
Herbert Armstrong was married to Loma Dillon, with whom he had four children. One of his sons, Ted Armstrong, would later join him as an evangelist. Their family life was deeply intertwined with their religious beliefs, and they worked together to spread their message to their followers.
Herbert Armstrong's success as a televangelist inspired later generations of religious leaders, including prominent figures like Billy Graham. His ability to reach millions of viewers all over the world through television and radio helped to spread his message of faith and salvation.
As he grew older, Armstrong continued to lead the Worldwide Church of God and remained dedicated to his ministry. He traveled extensively, preaching to audiences around the world and expanding his reach through media. Despite facing criticism and controversy at times, he remained steadfast in his beliefs and the mission he had set out to accomplish.
Herbert Armstrong passed away in 1986, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of religious broadcasting. His pioneering work in the field of televangelism paved the way for future generations of religious leaders to use media as a tool for spreading their message. His dedication to his faith and his commitment to his followers have left a lasting impact on the religious community.