Richard Roberts

Richard Roberts is an American evangelist and the former president of Oral Roberts University, a position he held from 1993 to 2007. He is the son of Oral Roberts, the founder of the university, and Evelyn Roberts, a well-known Christian author. Richard Roberts has been involved in various Christian ministries, including the Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association and the City of Faith Medical and Research Center. He has also been a prominent figure in the Charismatic Movement, along with other notable leaders such as Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, and Pat Robertson.

● Early Life and Education

Richard Roberts was born on November 12, 1948, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Oral Roberts and Evelyn Roberts. He grew up in a Christian household and was exposed to the ministry from a young age. Richard Roberts attended Oral Roberts University, where he earned a degree in theology and later became involved in the university's administration. He also studied at the University of Tulsa and the Tulsa Junior College. Richard Roberts has been influenced by various Christian leaders, including Billy Graham, Oral Roberts, and Kathryn Kuhlman, and has been involved in evangelistic crusades with Reinhard Bonnke and T.D. Jakes.

● Career

Richard Roberts began his career in ministry in the 1970s, working alongside his father, Oral Roberts, at the Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association. He later became the president of Oral Roberts University in 1993, a position he held until 2007. During his tenure, the university experienced significant growth and expansion, including the establishment of the City of Faith Medical and Research Center and the Oral Roberts University School of Medicine. Richard Roberts has also been involved in various Christian television programs, including the Trinity Broadcasting Network and the Daystar Television Network, and has worked with other notable Christian broadcasters, such as Paul Crouch and Marcus Lamb.

● Personal Life

Richard Roberts is married to Lindsay Roberts, and they have two children together. He is also the father of two children from a previous marriage. Richard Roberts has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including the Oral Roberts University Foundation and the City of Faith Foundation. He has also been a supporter of various Christian organizations, including the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the Samaritan's Purse. Richard Roberts has been friends with other notable Christian leaders, including Franklin Graham, Joel Osteen, and John Hagee.

● Controversies

Richard Roberts has been involved in several controversies throughout his career, including a lawsuit filed against him and the Oral Roberts University board of regents in 2007. The lawsuit alleged that Richard Roberts had misused university funds and had engaged in other improper activities. Richard Roberts denied the allegations and eventually settled the lawsuit out of court. He has also been criticized for his involvement in the prosperity gospel movement, which emphasizes the idea that God rewards faithful Christians with wealth and material prosperity. Other notable Christian leaders, such as John MacArthur and R.C. Sproul, have criticized the prosperity gospel movement, and Richard Roberts has been associated with other proponents of the movement, including Kenneth Copeland and Benny Hinn.

● Ministry and Legacy

Richard Roberts has been involved in various ministry efforts throughout his career, including evangelistic crusades and Christian television programs. He has also been a prominent figure in the Charismatic Movement, and has worked with other notable Christian leaders, including Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell. Richard Roberts has been recognized for his contributions to Christian ministry, including receiving the National Religious Broadcasters Award and the Christian Broadcasting Network Award. He has also been involved in various humanitarian efforts, including the Samaritan's Purse and the World Vision, and has worked with other notable humanitarian organizations, such as the Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Richard Roberts' legacy continues to be felt in the Christian community, and he remains a prominent figure in the evangelical world, along with other notable Christian leaders, such as Rick Warren and Timothy Keller.