Seth Udinski, FISM News
On Oct. 1, one of the most influential voices in Christian media officially announced his retirement. 91-year-old Pat Robertson, founder of the Christian Broadcast Network (CBN) and head of Regent University, retired from his post as the host of the network’s flagship show, “The 700 Club,” on Friday.
He made the announcement during CBN’s 60th anniversary broadcast, while on the “The 700 Club.” Robertson has starred in the popular Christian program since its beginning in 1966. On the show, Robertson said he will now focus his ministry on the young adults at Regent University.
Robertson founded CBN in 1961, building it from a relatively small television ministry to a nationwide broadcast network. CBN, based out of Virginia Beach, airs across the United States and in over 170 countries worldwide. He was influential in shaping face of modern Christian television.
Robertson’s once said of his ministry goals,
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.
Robertson’s son Gordan serves as CEO of Christian Broadcast Network, and he will take his father’s place as the full-time host of “The 700 Club.” Pat said that he still plans to make an occasional appearance on the show.