HUNTERTOWN, IN, November 18, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Rev. John Roberts has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Pastor Roberts has dedicated nearly five decades to his vocation as a pastor with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, beginning his tenure in 1976. Throughout his distinguished career, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to faith, inclusivity and community growth. Pastor Roberts's expertise in Lutheran liturgy is widely recognized, reflecting a deep understanding and mastery of the tradition's rituals and theological foundations.

A defining moment in Pastor Roberts' journey occurred during his seminary years at the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Seminary in St. Louis. Amidst a period of doctrinal controversy, the seminary faculty faced heresy charges, prompting 500 of the 550 students, including Pastor Roberts, to leave and join Concordia Seminary in Exile, which later became Christ Seminary Seminex. This pivotal decision required him and his peers to walk by faith without the customary denominational support, leading many to encounter unique challenges along the way to ordination and pastoral service.

In 1983, Pastor Roberts made a significant personal and professional milestone by publicly coming out as a gay man. At that time, while the church welcomed gay individuals into its life and leadership, it imposed celibacy requirements on gay pastors, a policy he openly disagreed with. It was not until 2009 that the church acknowledged this restriction as unjust, allowing Pastor Roberts to return fully to ministry.

Another notable chapter in his career unfolded at St. Philip's in Ypsilanti, Michigan. When Pastor Roberts arrived, the congregation numbered approximately 35 members. In a little more than a decade under his leadership, membership grew to about 250, with much of this growth attributed to young people joining the congregation. This achievement stood as a testament to Pastor Roberts's ability to foster vibrant and inclusive communities.

In 1984, Pastor Roberts traveled to South Korea where he met his 4 month old twin sons, Aaron and Andrew. Both sons are now medical doctors and are offering their talents to heal. Andrew is married to Kevin Howell. Their daughters are Sarah and Hannah. Aaron is married to Rachel Roberts. Their children are Evelyn and Evan. Of all of Pastor Roberts' treasures in life, Aaron and Andrew, their spouses and children are treasured the most.

Pastor Roberts' academic background has been instrumental in shaping his approach to ministry and leadership. He earned a Bachelor of Science in education from Concordia University in Seward Nebraska in 1971 and a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary in Exile in 1976. The rigorous theological training and educational foundation provided by these institutions have supported his lifelong commitment to service and advocacy within the church.

Beyond his pastoral duties, Pastor Roberts is civically engaged as a member of both the American Civil Liberties Union and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, reflecting his dedication to social justice and human rights.

Attributing his success primarily to his faith and the steadfast support of his family, Pastor Roberts also values the encouragement and numerous compliments received from the church community throughout his career. Looking ahead, he aspires to serve as a catalyst for healing and unity within society. He seeks to be a voice that encourages reconciliation and hope, striving to help communities overcome division and rediscover common ground.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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