Robert Jeffress (born 1956) is the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas.[1] He hosts a show Pathway to Victory that is broadcast on more than 500 radio stations.[2]
He grew up under pastor W. A. Criswell who he cites as an influence.[3]
In 2006 he was awarded the Daniel Award by Vision America.[4]
Jeffress was elected pastor of First Baptist on August 12, 2007, succeeding Mac Brunson. Previously he had been pastor of First Baptist Church in Wichita Falls, Texas[5]
He opposes Homosexuality. While pastor in Wichita Falls he sought to have two children's books removed from the public library because they contained gay themes.[6][7]
He supported Rick Perry in the republican presidential primaries for the 2012 presidential nomination.[8] On October 7, 2011 he caused national controversy while introducing Perry at the Values Voter Summit by saying that he believed Mormonism to be a cult and that Mitt Romney, an opponent of Perry, was not a Christian.[9] He had previously made statement to this effect in the 2008 presidential primaries.[10]
He is married to Amy Jeffress and they have two children.[2]