Robert James Jeffress Jr. (born November 29, 1955, in San Angelo, Texas) is a prominent American Southern Baptist pastor, author, radio host, televangelist, and Fox News contributor. He grew up in a Southern Baptist family and earned a Bachelor of Arts from Baylor University (1977), a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary (1981), and a Doctor of Ministry from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1983). After serving churches in Kansas and Virginia in the 1980s, he became senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas in 2007, growing it to over 14,000 members. He expanded his influence through the syndicated radio and television program 'Pathway to Victory,' which airs on over 1,200 TV stations in the US and internationally, reaching 195 countries. Jeffress is known for his conservative evangelical views and strong support for Republican politics, particularly as a spiritual advisor to President Donald Trump during his 2016 campaign and presidency. He delivered the invocation at the U.S. embassy opening in Jerusalem in 2018 and has authored bestselling books such as 'Perfect Ending' and 'A Place Called Heaven.' However, he has faced criticism for inflammatory rhetoric, including calling Islam an 'evil religion' in 2010 and making controversial statements on LGBTQ+ issues, leading to accusations of hate speech from groups like the Southern Poverty Law Center. Throughout his career, Jeffress has been involved in evangelical networks, aligning with organizations like the Southern Baptist Convention and supporting pro-life and traditional marriage causes. His political endorsements and media presence have positioned him as a key figure in the religious right, influencing conservative voter mobilization. As of 2023, he continues to lead First Baptist Dallas and hosts his broadcast ministry from there.