Kathryn Kuhlman: Woman of the Holy Spirit

“I believe in miracles because I believe in God.” – Kathryn Kuhlman

Kathryn Kuhlman was one of the most anointed evangelists of the 20th century—a vessel uniquely used by the Holy Spirit to ignite faith, perform miracles, and draw hearts closer to Jesus Christ. Her life was marked by supernatural encounters, deep devotion, and a passionate love for God’s presence. Today, her legacy continues to impact the global Christian community, especially in Pentecostal and Charismatic circles.

Birth and Early Life

Kathryn Johanna Kuhlman was born on May 9, 1907, in Concordia, Missouri, USA, into a modest yet God-fearing German-American family. She was the daughter of Joseph Adolph Kuhlman and Emma Walkenhorst. Raised in a Lutheran household, Kathryn was introduced to Christian teachings from a young age. Her family later became affiliated with the Methodist Church, and it was during her teenage years that she experienced a profound spiritual awakening.

Despite the simplicity of her upbringing, Kathryn developed a deep hunger for God and His Word. Her early encounters with the Bible and sermons about Jesus stirred a calling in her heart that would later blossom into an international healing ministry.

Early Ministry and Call to Evangelism

At the age of 14, Kathryn Kuhlman surrendered her life to Christ during a Methodist revival meeting. Not long after, she sensed a call to full-time ministry. After completing high school, she joined her sister and brother-in-law on the evangelistic trail. During this time, Kathryn began preaching in small churches and town halls across the Midwest.

In the 1930s, she was ordained by the Evangelical Church Alliance and began hosting her own meetings. Though being a woman in ministry presented societal and religious challenges, Kathryn remained undeterred. Her preaching was powerful, heartfelt, and always centered on the person of Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit and Healing Ministry

Kathryn Kuhlman’s ministry took a dramatic turn in the 1940s after a life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit. She often described it as the most important experience of her life. From that moment on, she was never the same. She later declared, “He’s more real to me than you are.”

During her services, miraculous healings began to occur without her physically touching anyone. The Holy Spirit would move across the audience, and individuals were healed of cancer, paralysis, heart disease, and numerous other conditions. Unlike many other healing evangelists of her time, Kathryn never claimed to be the healer. She consistently attributed every miracle to the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit.

Thousands attended her services, which were held in major venues across the United States, including the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and Carnegie Hall in New York City. These gatherings were deeply reverent and worshipful, with a strong emphasis on music, praise, and surrender.

Personal Life and Marriage

Kathryn Kuhlman was married once, in 1938, to evangelist Burroughs Waltrip. Unfortunately, the marriage was surrounded by controversy, as Waltrip had divorced his previous wife to marry Kathryn. This led to public criticism and deep personal sorrow. Within a few years, Kathryn ended the marriage, stating that she could not continue in ministry with a clear conscience while remaining married.

She later admitted that marrying Waltrip was the greatest mistake of her life. Her candidness in sharing this failure helped many believers relate to her humanity. After their separation, Kathryn remained single, devoting her entire life to her calling and the Holy Spirit.

National and Global Impact

Kathryn Kuhlman’s influence extended beyond the borders of the United States. Her healing crusades reached international cities in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. She was among the first women preachers to achieve worldwide recognition in evangelism.

In the 1960s and 1970s, she launched her nationally syndicated television program, “I Believe in Miracles”, and a weekly radio broadcast. These programs featured worship, testimonies of healing, and messages about the love of the Holy Spirit. Through these media channels, millions encountered the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Kuhlman was also a prolific author. Some of her most well-known books include “I Believe in Miracles”, “God Can Do It Again”, and “Nothing Is Impossible with God”. These works continue to inspire readers worldwide to believe in the supernatural power of God.

Her Ministry Style

What distinguished Kathryn Kuhlman was her total dependence on the Holy Spirit. She did not rely on gimmicks or showmanship. Instead, she was known for her grace, emotional sincerity, and unwavering commitment to glorifying God.

She would often walk slowly across the stage, inviting the Holy Spirit to take full control. Her well-known phrase, “Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit,” served both as a warning and an invitation for deep reverence. Countless people were healed simply by being present in the worshipful atmosphere.

Challenges and Criticisms

As with many charismatic leaders, Kathryn Kuhlman faced criticism. Some questioned the authenticity of the healings at her meetings, while others disapproved of a woman leading such a powerful ministry. Yet even her critics often acknowledged her spiritual authority and grace.

Medical professionals and journalists occasionally investigated her services. Although not all cases were medically verified, many doctors confirmed documented healings that defied scientific explanation.

Death and Legacy

Kathryn Kuhlman passed away on February 20, 1976, due to complications following open-heart surgery in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was 68 years old. Her final words were reportedly, “I shall die in faith.”

Though her earthly life ended, her spiritual influence did not. Leaders such as Benny Hinn, Marilyn Hickey, and Joyce Meyer have cited Kathryn Kuhlman as a spiritual mother and major influence. Her emphasis on intimacy with the Holy Spirit helped shape the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements around the world.

Today, her legacy continues through archived sermons, books, videos, and countless testimonies of lives changed. She remains a shining example of what God can do with a yielded heart.

Conclusion: A Vessel of the Holy Spirit

Kathryn Kuhlman was not renowned for theological complexity or academic debate. She was known for one thing: hosting the presence of the Holy Spirit. Her life is a powerful demonstration of what God can accomplish through someone fully surrendered to His will, regardless of gender, background, or past mistakes.

In a world that often values performance over presence, Kathryn offered something different—a dwelling place for God. Her legacy is a timeless reminder that miracles occur where Jesus is exalted and the Holy Spirit is welcomed.

May we be inspired by her surrender and hunger. And may we too live lives that boldly declare, “I believe in miracles because I believe in God.”