Richard Dortch

Richard W. Dortch (October 15, 1931 – June 15, 2011) was an Assemblies of God District Superintendent for Illinois (1970–83) and an Assemblies of God Executive Presbyter (1971–1985). Born in Granite City, Illinois, Dortch served as a pastor early in his ministerial career, and was also a missionary to Belgium (1959–1964) where he helped found and lead Emmanuel Bible Institute in nl.

While pastoring in Alton, Illinois, in 1967, Dortch was elected as secretary-treasurer for the Illinois district of the Assemblies of God, serving until 1970. He became president of the PTL Christian evangelical television network in 1983, a network typically featuring speakers affiliated with the Pentecostal movement.

In 1988 he, along with other executives of PTL, was indicted on federal charges of fraud and conspiracy. In a plea bargain, Dortch pleaded guilty to reduced charges and was sentenced to eight years in prison, later cut to two and a half years. His ministry credentials were restored by the Assemblies of God in 1991.

Dortch wrote several books about personal integrity and restoration. Until just prior to his death he hosted a long-standing two- to three-hours prayer service called "America's Prayer Meeting" on the Christian Television Network. The nightly broadcast reached 55 million households around the world.

External links

• Leadership Journal Blind Spot July 1, 1994 Dortch's ministry credentials restored
• The Voice of Prophecy, "Praising God from the Penitentiary", October 8, 2001
• The New York Times Ex-TV Evangelists Are Ousted as Ministers May 7, 1987
• The New York Times Headliners; Facing Judgment December 11, 1988
• The New York Times Bakker Aide Receives 8-Year Fraud Sentence August 25, 1989
• The New York Times Prison Sentence of Top Aide To Bakker Cut to 2½ Years April 26, 1990