The Purpose-Driven Ministry of Reverend Robert F. Robinson Sr.

Basic Information

Biography and Early Calling

Born on April 17, 1961, Dr. Robert F. Robinson Sr. was the youngest child of renowned musician Ray Charles Robinson and gospel vocalist Della Howard Robinson. In between secular performance and religious worship, he was his father’s roadie as a teenager and worked various jobs to support his family. He felt called at 18 after reading about the US HIV/AIDS problem. He combined early music ministry with social outreach to become an evangelist.

On August 26, 2017, Dr. Robinson received a Doctorate in Religious Studies from St. Thomas Christian University in Florida, formalizing his theological studies after decades of ministering. This academic success validated decades of pastoral work and gave him intellectual qualifications to match his experience. His PhD research examined religion communities’ response to health crises, demonstrating his longstanding commitment to vulnerable people.

Family and Personal Relationships

Like many spiritual leaders, Reverend Robinson keeps his family life secret. Ray Charles Robinson (1930–2004) and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson (married 1955–1977) have twelve children. Evelyn, Ray Charles Jr., David, Charles Wayne Hendricks, Robert, Renee, Sheila, Reatha, Alexandra, Vincent, Robyn, and Ryan are his siblings. No other records show he married or had children, emphasizing his congregational service above personal fame.

Within Greater Faith Ministries & Schools, Dr. Robinson’s family ethos extends into church structures, but personal names of relatives beyond his parents remain confidential. This deliberate privacy supports his emphasis on spiritual community over familial notoriety.

Ministry Leadership and Governance

Since founding Greater Faith Ministries & Schools Inc. in Los Angeles, Dr. Robinson has overseen a multifaceted ministry that addresses spiritual formation, social outreach, and educational empowerment. His governance initiatives include:

• Mother’s Board: Established the church’s first formal council of women leaders to advise on pastoral care, family services, and women’s ministry programs.
• Women of Color Services: Instituted specialized weekly gatherings that blend worship, advocacy training, and cultural celebration, drawing an average attendance of 150 participants per service.
• GFM Youth Conference & Retreat: Launched an annual multi-day event serving over 300 young people from Southern California, focusing on leadership development and spiritual mentorship.
• Nine-Month Discipleship Program: Created a structured curriculum spanning three residential intensives and monthly community assignments, offering transportation stipends to ensure accessibility for low-income participants.

Under his strategic direction, these governance structures have matured into core pillars of Greater Faith’s organizational identity, forging clear pathways for member engagement at every stage of life.

Facility Development and Campus Expansion

A significant accomplishment of Dr. Robinson’s tenure was the purchase and refurbishment of the ministry’s permanent location at 6723 S. Los Angeles Western Avenue. Greater Faith leased worship and outreach locations before 2018. The church acquired the facility in mid-2019 via capital campaigns and grant writing headed by Dr. Robinson. A previous business building was renovated by early 2021 into:

• A 500-seat worship auditorium with state-of-the-art audiovisual systems.
• Classrooms and offices for Greater Faith Schools, serving over 200 K–12 students.
• A community health wing offering free monthly clinics and counseling services.

This facility development solidified Greater Faith’s presence in the neighborhood and provided a stable base for program growth.

Media Recognition and Academic Collaborations

Dr. Robinson’s innovative ministry has garnered attention across local media and academic circles:

• Los Angeles Sentinel named him one of the “Most Interesting Pastors in Los Angeles” in 2022, highlighting his blend of social advocacy and dynamic preaching.
• The University of Chicago interviewed him for a 2023 study on the impact of urban pastorates in addressing public health challenges, particularly HIV/AIDS and homelessness.
• His sermons and outreach updates are regularly featured on the Greater Faith YouTube channel, which averages 25,000 views per sermon and 50,000 monthly watched minutes.

These recognitions attest to his influence both inside and beyond the pulpit, bridging ecclesial practice with scholarly research and community journalism.

Teaching Style and Sermon Methodology

Reverend Robinson’s teaching emphasizes practical application of scripture. He is known for three distinctive methodologies:

1. Contextualized Exegesis: Situating biblical texts within modern urban realities, he unpacks passages to address concrete social issues such as addiction, poverty, and disease.
2. Interactive Learning: Incorporating live question-and-answer segments into sermons, he engages congregants in real time, often fielding 20–30 questions per service.
3. Life-Skill Workshops: Applying biblical principles to everyday challenges, he leads quarterly workshops on financial literacy, healthy relationships, and vocational development.

Congregational surveys report that 87% of participants feel equipped to “apply biblical insights to daily problems,” confirming the relevance of his pedagogical approach.

Net Worth and Compensation

According to non-profit executive salary standards, Reverend Robinson’s net wealth is unknown. Annual 990 forms from Greater Faith Ministries & Schools include institutional earnings and expenditures but not individual compensation. He seems to receive only non-profit stipends, housing allowances, and pastoral perks, stressing his professional devotion above economic acquisition.

News, Community Engagement & Social Media Presence

Reverend Robinson maintains an active digital footprint focused on ministry content and outreach highlights:

• YouTube Channel: Greater Faith Ministries & Schools regularly posts full sermons, event recaps, and personal testimonies, with over 10,000 subscribers and weekly uploads.
• Facebook Community Group: The church’s private Facebook group shares feeding program schedules, hospital ministry updates, and volunteer sign-ups, sustaining an engaged online community of 5,000+ members.
• TikTok Snippets: Short clips of Dr. Robinson’s motivational messages and behind-the-scenes ministry work garner an average of 15,000 views per clip, appealing to younger demographics.

No controversies or gossip surround his name; all public mentions remain positive and centered on his pastoral and philanthropic initiatives.

FAQ

When was Reverend Robert F. Robinson Sr. born?

He was born on April 17, 1961, as the youngest child of Ray Charles Robinson and Della Howard Robinson.

What academic credentials does he hold?

He earned a Doctorate in Religious Studies from St. Thomas Christian University on August 26, 2017.

What is the scope of his ministry work?

He is founder and senior pastor of Greater Faith Ministries & Schools Inc., overseeing worship, education, and a hospital outreach ministry in Los Angeles.

Which governance programs has he initiated?

He established the Mother’s Board, Women of Color Services, an annual GFM Youth Conference, and a nine-month discipleship program with transportation support.

Has he been recognized by media or academic institutions?

Yes; he was featured as a “Most Interesting Pastor in Los Angeles” and interviewed by the University of Chicago for a public-health research study.

Where can I find his sermons online?

His sermons and event recaps are available on the Greater Faith Ministries & Schools YouTube channel.

References