Christian leaders across the evangelical world are continuing to honor the life and ministry of James Robison following the longtime broadcaster and humanitarian's death at age 82.
Robison, founder of LIFE Outreach International and longtime host of LIFE Today, became one of the most recognizable voices in Christian television through decades of preaching, broadcasting, evangelism, and humanitarian outreach. His ministry became globally known for feeding programs, clean-water initiatives, disaster relief efforts, and aid to vulnerable communities around the world.
Among the first major evangelical leaders to publicly respond was Franklin Graham, president and CEO of Samaritan's Purse and the son of legendary evangelist Billy Graham. Speaking to The Christian Post, Graham reflected on his longtime friendship with Robison.
"I had known James for many years," Graham said. "He was a powerful preacher and a great encourager. I will miss him, but I'll see him again in Heaven one day."
Conservative commentator and BlazeTV host Steve Deace also reflected on Robison's impact in a post shared on X. Deace, host of The Steve Deace Show and author of the 2016 novel A Nefarious Plot, said Robison personally encouraged him following the success of Nefarious, the film adaptation released in 2023.
"Just heard this sad news. James reached out to me after 'Nefarious' and was very gracious and complimentary," Deace wrote.
"Brought me down to Dallas for a meeting with national ministry leaders. True pioneer in forming the Christian Right that saved America from the counterculture of the '60s."
Bunni Pounds, president of the voter mobilization nonprofit Christians Engaged, described Robison as an "amazing man" who "changed the trajectory" of both her life and her father's life.
In a Sunday post on X, Pounds credited Robison with helping her understand John 17 and encounter the Holy Spirit at just 14 years old. She also thanked the televangelist for mentoring her in leadership while she worked as a night supervisor at LIFE Today and attended Bible school.
"He went on to be with Jesus on the eve of the rededication," Pounds wrote. "He championed and prayed for America Reads the Bible and this national moment today. He is cheering us on."
She continued: "Thanking God for James Robison's amazing life! We honor our advisory board member of Christians Engaged who always believed we would be the most effective civic engagement ministry in the nation."
Evangelist and author Anne Graham Lotz similarly shared an emotional tribute, describing Robison as "almost bigger than life" with a "large, warm, engaging personality who made everyone feel special." Lotz recalled appearing on LIFE Today multiple times, including during her breast cancer treatments, and praised both James and his wife Betty for treating guests "as though we were family."
She also reflected on recently visiting the ministry alongside her daughter Rachel-Ruth and seeing Robison's son, Randy Robison, hosting the program during his father's declining health. Lotz expressed confidence in the future of the ministry, saying she told Randy "the ministry was in good hands."
Quoting Revelation 14:13, Lotz concluded her tribute by declaring: "Well done, James Robison! You have been a blessing on earth and are now blessed beyond measure in your heavenly Home! We will miss you!"
Christian leaders, ministry organizations, and television personalities have similarly remembered Robison as a faithful Gospel preacher whose influence stretched far beyond Christian broadcasting. Many tributes highlighted not only his fiery preaching style, but also his compassion for the poor, his encouragement of younger leaders, and his commitment to humanitarian outreach through LIFE Outreach International.
Robison's ministry board previously stated that he "devoted his life to sharing the Gospel and bringing hope, help and healing to those in need around the world," while pledging that the organization's mission would continue after his passing.
For many within evangelical Christianity, James Robison represented a generation of television ministers who combined revival preaching with large-scale humanitarian work while also helping shape the modern evangelical public square. As tributes continue pouring in from across the Christian world, leaders consistently describe him as a man whose life was marked by Gospel conviction, generosity, encouragement, mentorship, and unwavering faith.
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Evangelist James Robison Dies at 82, Leaving Behind a Global Legacy of Faith and Compassion
