Ernest Roberts joined the staff at Greater First Baptist Church in 1988.  He has previously served as a Sunday school teacher, Youth Director, as well as the Minister of Education. Ernest states, “Greater First Baptist Church is the only church that I have served, and I have been here for 22 years.”  Ernest has a Bachelor of Science in Education, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Studies and a Masters degree Religious Education.

Ernest was born in Savannah, Georgia, and received his education in Tampa, Florida, and Sylvania, Georgia.  He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968 and spent one year in Vietnam. Upon returning, Ernest was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  After serving in the Armed Forces, Ernest entered Cameron University where he met his wife, Gwendolyn.  Ernest has two children, Celena and Jordan.  Ernest was employed with Chevron Phillips for 26 years and took early retirement in 2004.  Ernest stated, “The most important event in my life is when I surrendered to the call of Jesus Christ.” Rev. Roberts died on Sept. 14, 2009.