A LIFE OF FAITH AND SERVICE: THE STORY OF BISHOP CULP

 BY TRENT PALMER ’06

 2 MIN. READ

Bishop Robert Culp has not one, not two, but three degrees from Anderson University. Culp graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts in Bible and history, and in 1961 with a Master of Divinity. In 1989, he received an honorary Doctor of Divinity.

As a student, Culp was known for his skills on the basketball court. He is the 15th highest scorer in school history and was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998. He was also the vice president of the student council.

After graduating from seminary in 1961, Bishop Culp was called to First Church of God in Toledo, Ohio where he served as lead pastor for 61 years before retiring in 2022. In this time, he has worked tirelessly to bring sustainable change to his community and is known for “his compassion and willingness to roll up his sleeves and get to work.”

He has served as Chairman of the General Assembly of the Church of God, President of the National Association of the Church of God, President of the Toledo Chapter of the NAACP, and a member of the Board of Trustees at Anderson University. He has founded four churches, two schools, a homeless shelter, and multiple other ministries.

Culp’s impact has not gone unnoticed. His list of achievements and awards is most extensive. Most recently he received the Governor’s Humanitarian Award from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, which “seeks to honor those quiet soldiers who promote the welfare of humanity and the elimination of pain and suffering through……”their own selfless service, often without recognition.”

What an honor it is to call Bishop Robert A. Culp a fellow Raven!

Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.