Pat Robertson, founder of CBN, steps down as host of The 700 Club

Founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), Pat Robertson, has disclosed he is step down from hosting “The 700 Club” after 60 years in television ministry.

Robertson, 91, made the disclosure on October 1 during the 60^th anniversary of CBN, saying his son will step in to replace him.

“Today’s show will be my final as host of The 700 Club. My replacement will be my very capable son, Gordon, who will take over as full-time host of the program,” he said.

“After, I think, 54 years of hosting the programme, I thank God for everyone that’s been involved and I want to thank all of you. It’s been a great fun.”

Robertson said he will devote his efforts to teaching at Regent University, a private Christian University he founded in 1977 and which is located in Virginia Beach, Va.

He will also appear on the interactive episode monthly to answer questions sent in via email by viewers. He will occasionally appear as a senior consultant on international affairs.

Speaking on his father’s retirement, “Gordon, who has served as co-host and executive producer of the programme in the past two decades, said, “Good and faithful’ doesn’t even begin to describe my father’s service to CBN for 60 years. His legacy and the example of his prayer life will continue to lead The 700 Club in the years to come.

“And the best part is, he is just going across the street to Regent University and will be on The 700 club regularly in the future.”

CBN said, “Robertson looks forward to devoting his energy and experience full-time to helping train and equip members of the 11,000-strong student body of Regent University as they are preparing to become ‘Christian leaders to change the World.

“In hosting the Christian Broadcasting Network’s flagship programme for decades, Pat Robertson has shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with millions of viewers.

“He has worked to bring the hope of Christ to America and the world through inspiring testimonies of the Holy Spirit’s power and first-hand accounts of lives touched by the generosity of CBN partners, through disaster relief efforts and aid for others in need.”

How it began

Robertson, a southern Baptist, founded CBN in 1960. It was the first Christian television network in the United States.

Six years later, he started The 700 Club.

Since the founding of CBN and as host of the 700 Club, Robertson interviewed Christian leaders, former presidents, prime minister and other celebrities on the television. He in fact interviewed five U.S presidents.

He ran commentaries on various subjects, including the Christian race, Islam, natural disasters, plastic surgery, divorce, AIDS, 9/11 and other issues.

He once said his role at CBN is a form of evangelism.

“I believe that Jesus Christ is part of everything that we do in our lives. We want to show the full-orbed life through the perspective of Jesus Christ. You have to deal with people as they are and not as you would like them to be, because the world is not a giant church service.

About Robertson and his Controversies

Robertson was born on March 22, 1930.

His father was a senator.

He studied law at Yale Law School where he came near the top of his class. He however failed the New York bar exam.

He was to face the emerging months with disappointment, embarrassment and unemployment. It was during this period he became a born-again Christian and then a minister of the gospel.

He founded many organisations, including International Family Entertainment Inc., American Center for Law and Justice, the Christian Coalition, among many others.

He founded The 700 Club in 1966. It is aired in 174 countries and in 70 languages.