Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson Urges Rising Ministry Leaders to Chase God and Be Bold at School of Divinity Chancellor’s Forum
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (June 17, 2022) – Regent University Founder, Chancellor & CEO Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson held the latest Chancellor’s Forum on June 14 before an exclusive audience from the School of Divinity. Robertson opened the event with encouraging words of wisdom for his combined in-person and virtual audience of 61 students.
The forum provided Robertson a platform to share his thoughts on the pressures of ministry, discerning the voice of God, the secret to a successful marriage, the fulfillment of God’s prophecy, and more. Divinity students were given the opportunity to ask Dr. Robertson about matters that challenge Christian leaders.
“Our students were delighted to have the opportunity to hear and learn from our founder and chancellor,” said Corné J. Bekker, D.Litt. et Phil., dean of the School of Divinity. “Regent’s Chancellor’s Forum series continues to elevate its scholars to world-changers through the liberation of God’s truth.”
Robertson entered the room to a roar of applause that faded into an atmosphere of eager anticipation. He took his seat at the podium and broke the brief silence with a strong reminder from Ephesians 6:12, identifying who the enemy of a believer is:
“‘For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.’”
Robertson spoke about a time when he was to address 500,000 people in India and was stricken with a spirit of fear that gripped his body with severe fatigue. He shared that fear hadn’t been an issue in the past, so he said he “cast it out in Jesus’ name, and the demonic hold lifted.”
Robertson added that when he later stood before that audience in India, he was led by the Holy Spirit to cast down that stronghold of fear plaguing the crowd, and the people began to praise the Lord. “The spirit of fear was gone—and thousands were delivered.”
Robertson charged the audience of divinity scholars to act intentionally by taking authority, entering His gates with thanksgiving and praise, and speaking life in Jesus’ name.
Serving as the event’s moderator, Bekker opened the floor to questions from the audience, and the students didn’t hold back—starting the Q&A by asking the Chancellor how he navigates the pressures and conflicts within the ministry.
Robertson advised the scholars to commit themselves to a life pleasing to God to alleviate pressure. As for ministry conflict, that answer was simple. He just doesn’t allow it. He encouraged the audience to set high standards and goals and open themselves to God’s leading.
Brittany Whitaker, a therapist working with special needs children, was led to Regent to complete her master’s in divinity and use the knowledge to reach those spiritually wounded. “One day, I hope to go into ministry full time, and it’s the humility in Dr. Robertson that I will mirror that will allow me to encourage broken people.”
With broken marriages nearing 50% in the United States, Robertson was asked to reveal the secret to the success of his 68-year marriage to his beloved wife, Adelia “Dede” Robertson, who “passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord on April 19.”
Robertson warmly replied: “A wise man knows the phrase, whatever makes you happy, dear.” He went on to add that selfishness can tear a marriage apart. Spouses should build one another up and show constant love.
When asked about discerning the voice of the Lord, Robertson insisted that God’s voice is powerful, but being Spirit-led helps in hearing clearly. “Walk with the Lord and ask Him to reveal His truths.”
Divinity student abroad, Kancho Georgien, found peace in that counsel as he “waits upon the Lord for direction” on how he will be used in ministry. “I’m from Bulgaria and working on my Ph.D. in Biblical Studies. I hope to one day take what I have learned to disciple others in the image of Christ as a researcher or maybe a professor—wherever the Lord assigns me.”
The students shared they were pleased to hear Robertson confirm that Christianity is growing in Africa, Latin America, and in large numbers in India; even though the world is changing fast, the unchanged truth is still winning souls.
Doctoral candidate Markeith D. Brisco Sr. vehemently agreed with Robertson’s call for the Church to be different and resist the temptation to conform to an ever-changing world because God’s Church is built on the foundation of truth, and that should not change.
“The greatest challenge for the Church and Christian leadership is to be bold in today’s society. We cannot go along to get along. We must stand for righteousness,” said Brisco.
Robertson emphasized how critical humility is in the life of a Christian, pointing out that earth and humans are mere specks in a universe with billions of galaxies. He then concluded by instructing the divinity students to humble themselves, often in a posture of prayer, to remain in right standing with God.
“If pride is the greatest sin, then humility is the greatest virtue,” said Robertson. “Get on your face. Put your face on the floor and tell God that you know you are nothing without Him.”
Head nods in agreement echoed the sentiments of his final remarks—which were then met with thunderous applause.
Doctoral candidate Melissa Davis had this to say about the moment: “Dr. Robertson has led an extraordinary life of wisdom, anointing, favor, and humility. It is such a privilege to spend a few moments and sit at his feet—to drink up his God-given wisdom and be nourished.”
The forum presented a full-circle moment for Dean Bekker, who left his home in South Africa to answer the call to serve at Regent University. “Because Dr. Robertson said ‘YES’ to God all those years ago, I’m here today at Regent University.”
“It’s that unqualified yes—in obedience to God—that allows Him to show up in the lives of believers and make all things possible,” said Bekker. “Dr. Robertson and his lifelong work is evidence that my students and I can see and touch in the natural what God can do with an unqualified yes!”
About Regent University
Founded in 1977, Regent University is America’s premier Christian university, with more than 11,000 students studying on its 70-acre campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and online around the world. The university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in more than 150 areas of study, including business, communication and the arts, counseling, cybersecurity, divinity, education, government, law, leadership, nursing, healthcare, and psychology. Regent University ranked the #1 Best Accredited Online College in the United States (Study.com, 2020), the #1 Safest College Campus in Virginia (YourLocalSecurity, 2021), and the #1 Best Online Bachelor’s Program in Virginia for ten years in a row (U.S. News & World Report, 2022).
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