How a Lynchburg pastor transformed American politics by mobilizing the evangelical vote

Cultures · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Jerry Falwell began with a small congregation of 35 people in 1956, yet he eventually reshaped the American political landscape. By founding the Moral Majority in 1979, he turned evangelical Christians into a potent voting bloc, forever altering the relationship between religion, conservative activism, and the halls of national power.

Born in 1933 to an agnostic father, Jerry Falwell underwent a profound personal shift, accepting Christianity in 1952. He launched his ministry in 1956 by founding the Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia. His reach expanded rapidly through the Old-Time Gospel Hour, a radio and television program that eventually attracted millions of viewers globally. By the time of his death in 2007, his original congregation had grown to over 20,000 members.

Falwell’s most significant impact on secular life came through his political organizing. In 1979, he co-founded the Moral Majority, a lobbying group that championed conservative social values and a strong national defense. The organization was instrumental in securing white evangelical support for Ronald Reagan during the 1980 presidential election. Though the group disbanded in 1989, Falwell remained a polarizing figure, frequently drawing national attention for his controversial remarks on topics ranging from the AIDS epidemic and the September 11 attacks to his vocal opposition to abortion and gay rights.

Beyond his political work, Falwell was a dedicated educator. He established Liberty University in 1971 with the goal of training evangelical youth. Under his leadership, the institution grew from a small college into a massive academic enterprise. Today, the university serves over 140,000 students through both on-campus and online programs. His legacy is defined by this dual commitment to building a religious educational system and mobilizing a massive, faith-driven political movement that remains a force in American life.

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