Richard Dortch

Richard W. Dortch (October 15, 1931 – June 15, 2011) was an Assemblies of God District Superintendent for Illinois (1970–83) and an Assemblies of God Executive Presbyter (1971–1985).^[1] Born in Granite City, Illinois, Dortch served as a pastor early in his ministerial career, and was also a missionary to Belgium (1959–1964) where he helped found and lead Emmanuel Bible Institute in Andrimont, Belgium.

While pastoring in Alton, Illinois, in 1967, Dortch was elected as secretary-treasurer for the Illinois district of the Assemblies of God, serving until 1970. He became president of the PTL Christian evangelical television network in 1983, a network typically featuring speakers affiliated with the Pentecostal movement.

In 1988 he, along with other executives of PTL, was indicted on federal charges of fraud and conspiracy. In a plea bargain, Dortch pleaded guilty to reduced charges and was sentenced to eight years in prison, later cut to two and a half years.^[2][3] His ministry credentials were restored by the Assemblies of God in 1991.^[4]

Dortch wrote several books about personal integrity and restoration. Until just prior to his death he hosted a long-standing two- to three-hours prayer service called "America's Prayer Meeting" on the Christian Television Network. The nightly broadcast reached 55 million households around the world.

References

External links

• Leadership Journal Blind Spot July 1, 1994 Dortch's ministry credentials restored
• The Voice of Prophecy, "Praising God from the Penitentiary", October 8, 2001
• The New York Times Ex-TV Evangelists Are Ousted as Ministers May 7, 1987
• The New York Times Headliners; Facing Judgment December 11, 1988
• The New York Times Bakker Aide Receives 8-Year Fraud Sentence August 25, 1989
• The New York Times Prison Sentence of Top Aide To Bakker Cut to 2½ Years April 26, 1990