Rev. Dr. T. J.  Roberts, Th.D.

From a “Preacher Boy to Pastor“, it was no small miracle that a young man named Tom James (T. J.) Roberts born in Seminole County, Oklahoma, would become a well renowned and respected Minister of the Gospel.  . 

Tom James (T. J.) Roberts enlisted in the Service and later married Deloria V. Taylor of Seminole, Oklahoma on June 16, 1950.  On February 2, 1952, God gave Tom and Deloria a beautiful baby girl “Deborah Kay” this event forever changed the life of Tom Roberts.  On September 18, 1952, T. J. Roberts preached his first Sermon entitled “Come See a Man”, John 4:29 at his home Church, Ebenezer Baptist Church of Seminole, Oklahoma.  His Pastor at the time was the Late Rev. M.C. Johns. 

In February 1955, Rev. T. J. Roberts was ordained by his Pastor Rev. M. C. Johns and called to pastor at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Seminole County, Oklahoma until 1958.  Under his leadership, the membership grew and a new sanctuary was constructed a year later.  To this day, the same Sanctuary stands along with the Corner Stone inscription of “Rev. Tom Roberts, Pastor.”   

In 1958, Rev. T. J. Roberts was called to pastor his home church, the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Seminole, Oklahoma, and remained until 1961.  He then relocated his family to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where he became the pastor of the New Zion Baptist Church until 1963.  Throughout his early ministry, he was a full time employee at Tinker Air Force Base, Midwest City, Oklahoma and a Real Estate Broker.  Rev. Roberts also received a Diploma in Theology, from the Johnson Memorial Bible Institute in 1962.

On August 21, 1963, Rev. T. J. Roberts was spiritually moved to organize the Evangelistic Baptist Church.  He knew this was a vision from God, and that he was merely a servant who was willing to fulfill God’s plan.  The early Evangelistic Baptist Church, comprised of sixty-six members, held its first three services in a lunchroom at Northeast Fifth and High Street. The church moved to 722 North Bath and as the membership grew, relocated to 3122 N. Rhode Island on January 2, 1966.  At this location, Rev. Roberts faithfully continued to work his vision from the Lord while earning his Bachelor of Theology from the United Theological Seminary, Monroe, Louisiana in 1966.  Rev. Roberts received his Bachelors of Arts degree in 1972 in Bible from Oklahoma Christian College (OCC).  Continuing his education, in 1977 he received a Master of Arts degree in Religion from Southern Nazarene College, Bethany, Oklahoma; 1979 Doctor of Divinity from the New World Bible Institute, Hayti, Missouri and in 1986, Rev. Roberts graduated “Summa Cum Laude” from Trinity theological Seminary, Newburg, Indiana, where he received a Doctorate in Theology.

In 1977, through the work of the Holy Spirit, Rev. Roberts was lead to “step out on faith” and become a full-time Pastor.  He resigned employment with Tinker Air Force Base but remained a Real Estate Broker.

Rev. T. J. Roberts shared yet another vision with the Evangelistic Baptist Church congregation, which was the construction of a new sanctuary on Martin Luther King Ave.  On February 16, 1986, the church was relocated to 3129 Martin Luther King Ave., in it‘s new edifice. 

“Through it all” to present, Dr. T. J. Roberts has remained a loyal and committed Pastor of the Evangelistic Baptist Church of Christ.  He has stated his spiritual philosophy is, “Present the work of God and He will establish the relationships.”

Dr. Roberts is a devoted husband, father, grandparent and great grandparent.  He and his loving and devoted wife of 55 years, the former Deloria V. Taylor, are the proud parents of five children; Deborah Roberts Goodman, Tommie Jean Roberts Madison, Dorcas Roberts, Joseph Timothy Roberts and Marcus Roberts.  They also have four precious grandchildren:  Kiwanis Roberts I, Tori Goodman, Nathan Goodman and Jamika Roberts and four “Choice Jewels” as great-grandchildren:  Kiwanis Roberts II, KiYana Roberts, Jasmine Goodman and Kalencia Roberts.

Dr. Roberts has worked in the Progressive National Baptist Convention, and has served as Chairman of the Personnel Committee from 1986 to 1987.  He served as President of Southwest Regional Progressive National Baptist Convention from 1984 - 1986; President of the Oklahoma Progressive State Convention, Inc. from 1980 - 1981; and First Vice President of Oklahoma Progressive State Convention, from 1977 - 1978.

Memberships:

Ø      National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Lifetime member

Ø      Ministers’ Council of American Baptist Churches, USA, Member

Ø      Baptist Ministerial Alliance, Member

Ø      Board of Directors at Saint Anthony Hospital

Ø      National Progressive Baptist Convention, Board Member

Ø      President’s Council of Trinity theological Seminary, Board Member

Ø      One Church, One Child of Oklahoma, Board Member

Awards:

Ø      Special recognition given for serving as President by Progressive Baptist Convention

Ø      Special recognition given for Outstanding Service by Northern Black Chamber of Commerce of Oakland, California

Ø      Proclamation given for Outstanding Community Service by Governor Boren of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Ø      Proclamation given for Outstanding Community Service by Mayor Andy Coats of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Ø      Special recognition given for Outstanding Community Service by the Urban League of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Ø      Special recognition for Outstanding Community Service by the Black Chronicle “Tempo”

Ø      Special recognition “Summa Cum Laude” Trinity Theological Seminary, Th.D.

Ø       Writer’s Award for writing in the “Worker” for the Progressive National Baptist Convention