Our Pastor, Dr. Robert L. Wilks, Jr.
In 1987, at the leading of the Holy Spirit, Dr. Robert L. Wilks, Jr., a former Air Force chaplain with the rank of Major resigned his military commission after 11 years to become the Pastor and Founder of Vine-Life Christian Fellowship in Riverside, CA.
Vine-Life opened the doors to its first service on May 3, 1987. While membership currently numbers over 3200, Dr. Wilks touches the lives of thousands more by traveling throughout the nation teaching the Word of God.
Dr. Wilks does not teach anything that he does not walk out in his own life. He'll tell you that he doesn't just teach the Word, he lives the Word. One thing that is so unique about his teaching style is that he makes his life transparent to those he teaches. He believes in leading by example. Whether Dr. Wilks is teaching on tithes and offerings, giving to the Man of God, Holiness, or Praise & Worship, one can believe that he is doing just that.
Although Dr. Wilks will never take credit for doing what he is called to do - other than saying he is being obedient, everywhere he goes, he is making an impact and being a blessing to the body of Christ. Dr. Wilks is well known for his generosity- not just in the time he devotes to helping others, but financially as well. He is adamant about his giving. When Dr. Wilks travels the nation, he, through the help of the Holy Spirit, is looking to strengthen the bond between the pastor and the congregation. Dr. Wilks doesn't teach "Partnering with Your Man of God", because he "...desires a gift: but that fruit may abound to your account." Philippians 4:17
Dr. Wilks' discipline and obedience to the Word of God has been evident to all, and is being reflected in the life of his congregation. Not only are they on a "Pursuit of Holiness," but they are a people that are GROWING, GOING, and GAINING for Kingdom Increase, by SAVING THE LOST, BUILDING THE SAVED, and PREPARING THE BRIDE FOR HER BRIDEGROOM.
Education
Prior to his tour of duty in the military, Dr. Wilks completed his education by earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, and a Master of Divinity degree from Atlanta University Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Wilks received his Doctorate of Ministry degree from Friends International Christian University in Merced, California.
Family
Dr. Wilks has been married to his wife, Freda, for over 30 years and has one daughter name Robyn (Smooch) and a son-in-law, Pastor George Echols, Jr.
Ministry
In addition to his duties as pastor, Dr. Wilks travels across the United States taking the message of worship and prosperity to the Body of Christ. Many appreciate his 'down-to-earth' preaching and teaching style. Dr. Wilks has authored the following books: