Back to the Bible Broadcast (May 1, 1939)

On May 1, 1939, Theodore H. Epp began the Back to the Bible radio broadcast from Lincoln, Nebraska. With Europe on the brink of war and families still feeling the strain of economic hardship, Epp believed ordinary homes needed more than commentary—they needed the living voice of Scripture. The broadcast was marked by plain speech, open Bibles, and a steady insistence that God’s Word confronts sin and comforts the weary.

Epp’s approach was not entertainment-driven. He urged listeners to repent, to rest their confidence in Christ alone, and to practice daily obedience. His conviction matched the apostolic command: “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2). In an age drawn to spectacle, the quiet heroism of persistence became its own testimony.

Theodore H. Epp (1907–1985)

Epp’s leadership showed a particular kind of courage: faithfulness without applause. He trusted that God works through means that seem small—one preacher, one microphone, one passage explained carefully. His ministry emphasized prayer, spiritual growth, and the formation of conscience under God’s authority, aiming not merely at decisions but at discipleship.

He also treated radio as a stewardship. The unseen congregation—farm families, factory workers, shut-ins, and searching skeptics—were not “an audience,” but souls. The gospel he proclaimed was not self-improvement, but rescue: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

Legacy and Continuing Reach

What began as a local broadcast became a lasting witness. Over the decades, Back to the Bible expanded beyond Nebraska, eventually reaching a national footprint; today, more than 600 stations across the United States still carry the program. Its endurance reflects a simple spiritual reality: when Scripture is opened with clarity and reverence, God uses it to awaken faith, strengthen believers, and call wanderers home.

The broadcast’s continuing message points hearts back to God’s truth—steady, unembarrassed, and hopeful—reminding listeners that genuine renewal begins where God speaks and humble hearts listen.