Harald Bredesen, an influential author and Lutheran minister who helped shape the ministry of televangelist Pat Robertson and spread “speaking in tongues,” died Dec. 29 at age 88.

Known as “Mr. Charisma,” Bredesen died at an Escondido, Calif., hospital from complications after a fall at his home on Dec. 26, said Tom Gilbreath, Bredesen's longtime assistant.

Bredesen wrote several best-selling books, including Yes, Lord (first published in 1972 by Logos International) and Need a Miracle? (published in 1979 by Revell).

He was also involved in the founding of several major Christian media ministries, including the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), Trinity Broadcasting Network and 100 Huntley Street in Canada.

Bredesen befriended Robertson while they both lived in New York in the late 1950s. Robertson credits Bredesen with leading him into the charismatic experience known as “baptism in the Holy Spirit,” after which Robertson began to speak in the exuberant prayer language popular among Pentecostals. Bredesen served on the CBN board of directors since the network's founding in 1960 and hosted its long-running program Charisma.

He is credited with helping to spread the charismatic renewal movement, which today has millions of adherents across several Christian denominations.

Bredesen is survived by his wife, Genevieve, and their four children and five grandchildren.

A memorial is planned for Feb. 3 at The Church on the Way in Van Nuys, Calif.

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