KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (ABNS 9/26/24)—The Rev. Dr. Robert Hansen Roberts, a former American Baptist leader who served in a number of notable roles for American Baptist Churches USA, died on Thursday, September 5, in Orlando, Fla. 

Roberts served as Interim General Secretary of American Baptist Churches USA from September 2000-January 2002. He was associate general secretary for World Mission Support from 1990 through Jan 31, 2000. He also provided part-time consultant leadership for World Mission Support following his retirement.  

Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley, general secretary emeritus of American Baptist Churches USA, said, “Upon Dr. Weiss’ retirement [as General Secretary, Bob Roberts] assumed the role of interim general secretary, returning to his role with World Mission Support when I was called. What a joyous soul and devoted disciple of Christ. Bob was an unfailing optimist and brought a smile to everyone’s face.”  

In his role as associate general secretary for World Mission Support, Roberts was responsible for providing leadership in raising approximately $40 million annually for American Baptist missions and programs through American Baptist Mission Support. In the 1990’s he led a denomination-wide tithing education campaign and authored a book on tithing, “God Wasn’t Kidding.” Roberts led with an emphasis on tithing. He was involved in more than 100 tithing seminars across the U.S. in 1993, and produced numerous resources under that focus area through his years with Mission Resource Development.  

Prior to his work with World Mission Support, Roberts served from 1982-1990 as executive minister of the American Baptist Churches of Connecticut. Prior to that (1979-1982) he was executive minister of the American Baptist Churches of the Central Region. Roberts’s experience also included service as pastor of Braemar Baptist Church, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (1959-1962); First Baptist Church, Ridgefield Park, N.J. (1962-1966); and Flemington Baptist Church, Flemington, N.J. (1966-1979).  

An active leader in the Evangelistic Life Style denominational emphasis in the 1970s at both the national and regional levels, Roberts also chaired the American Baptist Evangelism Team at that time. He was a well-known spokesperson for American Baptist Churches USA’s “Grow by Caring” program in the 1980s. 

A native of Western Canada, Roberts received a B.A. degree in philosophy from the University of Alberta, a B.D. degree in theology from McMaster Divinity School, an S.T.M. degree in homiletics from Union Theological Seminary (New York), and Ph.D. degree in theology from New York University.  

Upon Roberts’ retirement, former ABCUSA General Secretary Daniel E. Weiss said, “Bob Roberts has for many years been one of this denomination’s most eloquent, passionate and convincing ambassadors, not only for stewardship ministries but for all that we do together in the name of Jesus Christ. I cannot begin to estimate the positive effect his infectious spirit and pastoral concern have had in focusing all of us on service and stewardship – in revealing the joy that is the reward of the generous Christian heart.” 

His ministry continued to be vital and strong well into retirement, as he often led devotionals, hymn sings, Bible studies, and worship services at The Chapel at the Orlando Lutheran Towers, where he resided from 2008 until the time of his death. 

Roberts is survived by his sister, Meredith (Roberts) Hilsabeck (Harold); three children: Tom Roberts (Jeanine), John Roberts (Robin), and Cathy (Roberts) Goldfarb (Michael); nine grandchildren: Kyle Goldfarb (Angela), Keri (Roberts) Johnson (David), Courtney (Goldfarb) Vasquez (Israel), John Roberts (Amy), Christian Roberts, Josiah Roberts, Katie Goldfarb, Matthew Goldfarb, and Malaina Goldfarb; four great-grandchildren: Delilah, Violet, Rowan, and Kamryn; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 53 years, M. Joan (Remple) Roberts, who passed away on October 8, 2010; his sister, Mildred (Roberts) McMullen (2019); and parents Thomas Elgar Roberts (2002) and Edith Amelia (Patten) Roberts (1998). 

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Flemington Baptist Church, 170 Main Street, Flemington, N.J. 

View an obituary shared by the American Baptist Churches of the Central Region, here. 

American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.