When we think of Christian televangelists, Pat Robertson stands as one of the most recognizable figures in modern history. His 700 Club program, Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), and political aspirations have made him a household name. But what was it like to guard such a polarizing Christian figure? David Wilcox, Robertson’s former bodyguard, shares his insider perspective that reveals a stark contrast between public persona and private reality.
Wilcox’s journey began unexpectedly after retiring as a police officer in Oceanside, California due to an on-duty injury. Following his wife’s dream to work at CBN, they relocated to Virginia where he enrolled in graduate school at Regent University (formerly CBN University). Through a chance connection at student services, Wilcox landed a position as Pat Robertson’s personal bodyguard just as Robertson was considering a presidential run. This opportunity thrust Wilcox into a dual life – graduate student by night, bodyguard by day, flying across the country for pre-campaign events on weekends.
Initially, Wilcox found himself impressed by Robertson’s ministry work. Operation Blessing provided rapid disaster relief, delivering hot meals and water to hurricane victims long before FEMA arrived. Robertson established literacy programs in inner cities and seemed committed to meaningful social change. Wilcox believed so deeply in Robertson’s mission that he became a significant donor himself, giving $2,500 annually despite his modest income. He felt proud to stand beside someone making such positive impact.
The turning point came when politics entered the equation. In a pivotal moment that Wilcox vividly recalls, Robertson made a decision that would permanently alter the ministry’s trajectory. While riding in the backseat of a company car, Robertson was caught between two advisors – one advocating for using the ministry’s donor list for political fundraising, the other warning about legal and ethical problems with such a move. After listening to both sides, Robertson made his choice: “Give them the list.”
The consequences of this decision were devastating. When Robertson returned from his failed political campaign, CBN was decimated. Over 630 employees lost their jobs as donations dropped by more than 40%. The ministry Robertson had built faced an existential crisis, and his response revealed a side of leadership many followers never witnessed.
According to Wilcox, Robertson’s desperation led to questionable business ventures and ethical compromises. He details allegations of ministry funds being diverted to diamond and gold mining operations in Africa, partnerships with dictators like Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire and Charles Taylor of Liberia (later convicted of crimes against humanity), and misleading fundraising appeals. In one particularly troubling example, Wilcox describes how Robertson raised money ostensibly to help cholera victims while reportedly diverting most funds to support nearby mining operations.
Beyond business ethics, Wilcox paints a picture of Robertson as two different people – the warm, fatherly figure viewers saw on television versus the demanding, sometimes tyrannical boss behind the scenes. When the red camera light went off, Robertson allegedly transformed, ruling through fear and intimidation rather than the Christian principles he espoused publicly.
The most powerful lesson from Wilcox’s account isn’t just about one televangelist’s failings. It’s about the danger of placing human religious leaders on pedestals.
“Don’t put your faith in religious leaders,” Wilcox advises. “You don’t need them to have worship time with God.”
This reminder that even prominent spiritual figures are fallible human beings serves as both caution and comfort – caution against blindly following charismatic leaders, and comfort that our faith need not be shaken when those leaders disappoint.
Wilcox’s story reminds us that discernment remains essential in spiritual matters. The true foundation of faith isn’t found in personalities or organizations but in a direct, personal relationship with God. As we navigate a world where religious leadership frequently intersects with money and power, this former bodyguard’s perspective offers valuable insight on maintaining faith while recognizing human frailty.
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