Local News in Brief : Laguna Beach : Chief of Firm Interested in Buying PTL Resigns

A company with takeover plans for the bankrupt PTL television ministry and Christian theme park on Thursday announced the resignation of its chairman and president, A. David Hengstler.

But Hengstler, who ousted PTL leader Jim Bakker said is a friend, will continue as a consultant to the group, Family Entertainment of America.

Hengstler, who has reportedly approached Bakker about rejoining his former ministry under new leadership, will be replaced by Newport Beach financier Joseph Rodriguez Jr., according to the FEA announcement. Bakker resigned from PTL in 1987 in the wake of a sex scandal.

Bakker has told The Times that Hengstler “has asked me at a future date if I would be willing to serve on the ministry side of the organization.”

Bakker said he supports FEA’s bid for the Christian broadcasting network and theme park in Fort Mill, S.C., which he founded in 1974.

But in its announcement Thursday, FEA officials categorically denied that Bakker would be invited to return to his ministry.

The organization said it plans to submit a proposal for buying PTL to the U.S Bankruptcy Court in Columbia, S.C., within 10 days.