What An Architect Sees

What An Architect Sees

A Tribute to a Great Master Builder: Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson

A few times in life an architect is blessed to work with extraordinary clients to first dream, then design, and ultimately build structures and define spaces that impact people on how they see, live, and interact with the world. An architect will work, over the course of a career, with many clients with varying purposes and needs, but few will ever have an opportunity to work for a client who themselves is a true master builder.

First, being a master builder is rare, it requires a dream big enough that others may have, but few have the courage to execute. Second, it requires submission to God’s purpose for your life and not your own. Third, it requires acceptance of risk. Fourth, it requires being all in without developing a Plan B in case things do not work out. ?You see, being a master builder is being able to bring a dream to reality and to be able to replicate it over and over. It requires all of you all of the time.

Dr. Robertson was a true master builder. Almost 14 years ago, when I met him, I knew immediately that he was different. There was a passion and determination coupled with skill and a strategy that rarely all exist in the same individual. To design and build the Christian Broadcasting Network, Regent University, Operation Blessing and the American Center for Law Justice to name a few, is no small feat and proof of his abilities as a true master builder. His expertise and capabilities were shown time and time again through his faith, grit, and capability to lead people. You see, after meeting with him, I knew that I wanted to serve him and his God-given purpose. And he had that same impact on thousands of others that he assembled into teams for his multiple ministries. When the team that is built is just as passionate and dedicated, then the master builder can truly be unleashed to fulfill their purpose in life.

Dr. Robertson can be compared with many of the Biblical greats, but for me his best comparison is with Nehemiah. You see, Nehemiah had a vision that was so big that most would have pivoted to doing something of less importance out of fear or a lack of faith. Instead, Nehemiah convinced a king to allow him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem through tremendous opposition and significant risk to his own life. Nehemiah did not waiver. Instead, he doubled down on his God given vision, rallied the people and together they rebuilt the walls. When confronting the evil that physically stood in the way of completing the walls, Nehemiah said “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” Neh 4:14. Dr. Robertson was a leader that I wanted to stand with and support and ultimately fight for because he served the Lord God Almighty as a faithful master builder!

Dr. Robertson’s legacy is in the millions of lives that he has reached through his God-ordained ministries. He was God’s master builder, and he was my beloved client. His fight continues with the wonderful people that occupy positions within the organizations that God used him to build. And that gives me joy even as I mourn.

Thank you, Dr Robertson for modeling what it means to be a true master builder.

Jeffrey W. Ganthner, AIA, DSL