On May 16, 2026, during the Fifty-First Commencement Exercises of Criswell College, one of the institution’s highest honors was bestowed upon a man whose life has been marked by unwavering devotion to Christ, passionate evangelism, faithful servant leadership, and a lifelong commitment to the advancement of the Gospel. In recognition of his extraordinary ministry and kingdom impact, Criswell College awarded Dr. Roland Lopez the degree of Doctor of Divinity, Honoris Causa.
For decades, Dr. Lopez has faithfully proclaimed the message of Jesus Christ across communities, states, and nations. While his influence has been especially significant among Hispanic churches and leaders, his ministry has never been limited by culture, language, or geography. His passion has always been simple and clear: that all people would hear the life-changing message of the Gospel.
Throughout more than twenty-two years of service as Church Starting Consultant and Evangelist with the San Antonio Baptist Association, Dr. Lopez helped establish and strengthen churches, expanding Gospel witness throughout Texas and beyond. His ministry extended into Arizona and Idaho through church planting efforts which brought new congregations into existence and strengthened communities of faith.
His evangelistic calling carried him far beyond state lines. Dr. Lopez preached in conventions and ministry events across more than forty states and three countries, faithfully sharing Christ wherever God opened doors. Over the course of his ministry, he preached in more than one thousand revival meetings throughout Texas, calling countless individuals to repentance, faith, and discipleship. His commitment to evangelism was recognized early in his ministry when he received the Evangelism Award from the Mexican Bible Institute during the 1971–1972 academic year.
Yet Dr. Lopez’s legacy extends far beyond the pulpit. His life demonstrates a deep commitment to servant leadership. Throughout the years, he has faithfully served Southern Baptists and Texas Baptists in numerous leadership capacities, including as Chairman of the Southern Baptist Convention Committee on Nominations, a member of the Executive Board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and a member of its Baptist Distinctive Committee. He also served as President of the Convención Bautista Mexicana, helping guide and encourage generations of Hispanic Baptist churches and leaders. His servant-hearted leadership was recognized in 2022 when he received the Texas Baptists en Español Dr. Gary Cook Servant Leadership Award.
Dr. Lopez’s commitment to Christian higher education has also left a lasting impact on Criswell College. As a proud graduate and faithful supporter of the institution, he has spent years serving as one of its most passionate ambassadors and volunteer recruiters. Wherever God has taken him—whether in churches, conferences, revivals, leadership gatherings, or personal conversations—he has consistently shared the mission of Criswell College and encouraged others to pursue a biblically grounded education. He has long championed the importance of theological and ministerial training for pastors, missionaries, and church leaders, while also emphasizing the value of a Christ-centered education for Christians serving in education, business, counseling, public service, and countless other professions. Believing that every vocation can be used for the glory of God, Dr. Lopez has encouraged generations of students to prepare themselves intellectually, spiritually, and professionally for faithful service. Time and again, he has pointed prospective students toward Criswell College, convinced that few institutions are as committed to equipping believers with a strong biblical foundation for life and ministry.
Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects of Dr. Lopez’s testimony is that his ministry has never been confined to titles or positions. Behind the public accomplishments stands a man whose faithfulness has been evident first in his home. For more than fifty-five years, he has been devoted to his wife, Rachel, building a Christ-centered marriage that has served as an example to many. Together they have raised a family that includes three children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, demonstrating that the most enduring ministry often begins within the walls of one’s own home.
The influence of Dr. Lopez’s legacy can also be seen in the next generation of leaders he has helped shape. His son, Pastor Sammy Lopez, followed in his father’s footsteps by pursuing theological education at Criswell College and faithfully serving in ministry. As a fellow Criswell alumnus, Pastor Sammy Lopez represents the continuation of a family commitment to Gospel ministry, biblical education, and service to the local church. Together, their story reflects the lasting impact of a legacy rooted in faithfulness to Christ and dedication to preparing future generations for Kingdom service.
The impact of Dr. Lopez’s life is measured not only by churches planted, revivals preached, leadership positions held, or awards received, but by the countless lives transformed through his faithful witness. Pastors have been encouraged. Churches have been strengthened. Leaders have been mentored. Students have been inspired. Communities have been reached. And countless men and women have heard the Gospel because one servant of God remained faithful to the calling God placed upon his life.
Reflecting on this well-deserved recognition, Criswell College President Dr. Barry Creamer shared:
“Criswell College has not offered an honorary doctorate in several years, but when Roland Lopez’s name appeared as a candidate, we absolutely had to take all the steps necessary to recognize him. His faithful ministry in evangelism, his work with church planting and his support of church leaders, and his influential support for Criswell College are only a few of the reasons we are so grateful that he is a graduate of this college, and now our most recent Doctor of Divinity.”
As Criswell College celebrated its graduates this spring, it also celebrated a life that exemplifies the very mission of the institution: preparing men and women to serve Christ faithfully and proclaim His truth boldly. Dr. Roland Lopez’s ministry stands as a powerful reminder that a life surrendered to God can leave an eternal impact across generations, cultures, and nations.
His story is not merely one of achievement—it is a testimony of faithfulness. Through decades of evangelism, church planting, servant leadership, family devotion, and unwavering support of Christian higher education, Dr. Lopez has demonstrated what it means to live a life fully dedicated to the Kingdom of God. His influence can be seen not only in the churches he helped plant, the revivals he preached, and the leaders he encouraged, but also in the generations that follow him—including his own family, where a commitment to Christ, ministry, and theological education continues through the life and service of his son.
For these reasons and many more, Criswell College was honored to recognize Dr. Roland Lopez as its newest Doctor of Divinity, celebrating a legacy that has shaped churches, strengthened leaders, advanced the Gospel, and inspired future generations to serve Christ faithfully. His life stands as a testimony that true greatness is found not in recognition received, but in a lifetime of faithfulness offered to the Lord and His Kingdom.
