Robert Tilton, born on July 7, 1946 in Texas, grew up in a religious household with a strong faith. He felt called to spread the word of God from a young age and began his journey as a televangelist in the 1980s.
In 1976, Tilton founded the World of Faith Family Church in Farmers Branch, Texas. This small church would eventually become the launching pad for his successful television ministry, Success-N-Life. Tilton's charismatic personality and engaging sermons quickly gained him a following, and his program became popular throughout the 80s and 90s.
Success-N-Life was more than just a television program for Tilton - it was a way to reach millions of people with his message of prosperity and faith. The show taught that all of life's hardships were the result of sin, and that by following God's word, one could achieve success in all areas of life. By 1991, the program was airing in 235 American TV markets and bringing in almost $80 million per year.
Tilton was married to his first wife, Martha Phillips, from 1968 to 1993. The couple faced challenges in their marriage, but Tilton remained dedicated to his ministry throughout. His personal life, much like his public image, was not without controversy.
Tilton's fundraising practices and lavish lifestyle came under scrutiny in the 1990s, with journalist Diane Sawyer conducting an investigation into his operations. The expose aired on Primetime Live and raised questions about the integrity of Tilton's ministry. Despite these challenges, Tilton continued to preach and reach his audience through his television program.
Robert Tilton's influence as a televangelist cannot be understated. His bold preaching style and message of prosperity resonated with many viewers, and his program reached millions of households across the country. While his ministry faced challenges and controversy, Tilton's dedication to spreading the word of God remained unwavering. Today, he is remembered as a divisive figure in the world of televangelism, but one who left a lasting impact on the religious landscape of America.