George Bogle

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Bogle is a religious broadcaster in Detroit; he serves the 'people of the night' on WMUZ FM; his ministry is called Nightvision.

Pastor George Bogle (born April 25, 1934 in Flint, Michigan) is a minister and religious broadcaster in Detroit. Bogle is noteworthy for his broadcasting and social activism in Detroit. A longtime presence over the airwaves in Detroit, Pastor Bogle has had a daily television and radio shows in southeastern Michigan since 1967.

Born during the Depression near Detroit to a religious family, Bogle struggled to earn a living for many years before taking over a small congregation his father had established. In 1955 he married; his wife Shirley plays a major role in all ministry activities. Throughout most of his life Bogle had to work to support his wife and four children, while also leading a church. This personal familiarity with the common struggles of economic survival in Detroit marked Bogle's purpose and ministry.

In 1970 Bogle and Shirley moved from the white Detroit suburb of Mt. Clemens to the city of Detroit and opened a storefront ministry. The Bogle family entered Detroit at time when white flight was escalating and the wounds of the 12th Street Riot were still fresh. Although Caucasian, Bogle establish a racially diverse congregation called the 'House of Prayer'. It included a dormitory and halfway house for Detroiters troubled by homelessness, mental illness and drug addiction. Small businesses, including coffee shops, a restaurant, and carnival, were established to serve the public and act as gainful employment for jobless church members.

Bogle's first church in Detroit, courtesy www.pastorbogle.com

'Evangel Ministries' was created later upon moving into a traditional church building on Detroit’s westside near Stansbury and Grand River Boulevard. Soon after, George and Shirley began 'The Evangel Prayer Time' radio ministry to serve the prayer needs of Christian and non-Christians in Detroit. Although an evangelical minister, Bogle’s unpretentious manner, accepting attitude and practical advice with believers and non-Christians attracted listeners to his show. His commitment to racial equality and support for the urban poor distinguishes him beyond the bounds of a traditional minister. Nevertheless, his show can be criticized for failing to take fully into account the serious nature of dispensing advice without professional training. Callers often present serious social, medical, family and economic problems, and Bogle's ultimate advice is always prayer. Additionally, the show is supported through donations from listeners and at times can become primarily concerned with fundraising. In 2004, George Bogle turned seventy years old and there was public birthday party for him sponsored by Detroit civic leaders.

Bogle's current Nightvision radio ministry was created after he retired from Evangel Temple, where he had been senior Pastor for thirty years. It can be heard five nights a week from midnight to three in the morning on WMUZ 103.5 FM. It is a unique radio program, even among religious broadcasters. Simply put, people phone in and Bogle prays for them. It is a live prayer request show. In the course of clarifying the request, Bogle displays an unusual gracefulness, tact, patience and insight, but also expresses a conservative, traditional viewpoint.

The show is an excellent window into the lives and people of Detroit. Unusually candid and uncensored thoughts and opinions make their way to air. Often a regular listener will be able to follow persons through life changing events as Bogle always encourages ‘praise reports’. Even Bogle exposes himself, offering personal stories and intimate details of his years in ministry. At times, his comments can be idiosyncratic, if not eccentric, but are always genuine. George Bogle is a unique part of Detroit, a social and cultural marker of America’s motor city.