‘I’m leaving with dignity’: Minister withdraws from Oprah show contest

Minister Tony Roach holds the hand of a woman making her confession of faith at a street preaching event in New York City in 2009. Roach, minister of the Minda Street Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas, has withdrawn from the competition to host his own show on Oprah Winfrey’s new network. (Photo by Bobby Ross Jr.)

We’ve reported periodically on Texas minister Tony Roach’s bid to host his own television show on Oprah Winfrey’s new network.
The latest news: Roach has removed himself from the running.
The Abilene Reporter-News reports:

Tony Roach, minister at Minda Street Church of Christ, has withdrawn as a candidate to host a new reality show on Oprah Winfrey’s new OWN television network.
Near the end of the fourth episode of “Your OWN Show,” Roach told co-hosts Nancy O’Dell and Carson Kressley that he was withdrawing.
“I chose to leave the competition,” Roach said during the episode, which aired a week ago and featured contestants in a cooking segment with noted chef Curtis Stone.
“I cannot say I’m going to help somebody live their best life, and then tear people down,” he said. “To me, that’s not a winner. I’m leaving with dignity. I’m leaving with respect.”

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• Feedback
  I have great respect for anyone who has to courage to act on his convictions. There will be other, and possibly, better avenues for the work you do in His name.

  Jo

  February, 4 2011

  I thank God that brother Roach saw where Satan was trying to lead him and withdrew before he had dishonored our Lord. We must not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers (2 Cor 6:14; 2 John 10). Satan always suggests that it will work, that somehow we can honor the Lord while being linked with those who practice a worldly faith. It works only to Satan’s advantage. It does not honor the Lord

  thayer salisbury

  February, 4 2011

  Good!!! The major problem we have in this country is not enough people arewilling to follow God in day to day living. You have chosen wisely — more importantly you have chosen Godly.

  Jim Karl

  February, 4 2011

  I am proud of you brother, you are wired to the Spirit!! God bless you in your work, as I am sure He does, for which we give thanks..
  jg

  James Gurley

  February, 4 2011

  While I don’t know the details of this situation, I know it takes strength and fortitude to take a stand against evil and questionable situations. Sadly, today there are far too many ‘Christian’ leaders who choose to ‘lead’ in directions that Christians should not go.

  DARREL

  February, 4 2011

  Amen to your decision. We have enough to do seeking first the Kingdom. God is bigger than any reality show.

  Bmay

  February, 4 2011

  God bless you brother for standing on your convictions and being filled with a knowledge of God’s will.

  Paul W. Montandon

  February, 5 2011

  I understand sometimes we as Christians have to step away from some things that may portray us in a negative way. We have to remember we are the light of the world and we have to shine in darkness and sometimes remove ourselves from events that may not let us show that light in a way that we would like to portray it.

  Natissa Thompson

  February, 6 2011

  In a world where “reality” demands a sarcastic host, good for him.

  Tim O’Hearn

  February, 6 2011

  It is nice to see someone who will stand up for what they believe in and not the common “the end justifies the means” attitude.

  Debbie Haney Whiddon

  February, 6 2011

  I am glad you seen where Satan was leading you. God bless you brother.

  Dolly

  February, 7 2011

  Dr. Roach:
  I know that the Holy Spirit will always lead you right. I know that you will stay in the path of the Holy Spirit. You will make it because you are on the Lord’s side.
  Lemuel Jackson

  Lemuel F. Jackson

  February, 11 2011

  I totally applaud Mr. Roach for his conviction. He should be the first one chosen for his own show. Oh if so many more individual’s live the life they preached like Mr. Roach.

  JR

  June, 16 2011