R. R. Soares

Romildo Ribeiro Soares (born December 6, 1947) is a Brazilian televangelist, missionary, author, and businessman who founded the International Church of God's Grace (Igreja Internacional da Graça de Deus) in 1980 [2][5]. Known widely as "Dr. R. R. Soares," he became one of Brazil's most prominent televangelists through his television program "Show da Fé" (Faith Show), which has broadcast for decades across Latin America and reaches millions of viewers [3][4].

Soares represents a significant figure in Brazil's Neo-Pentecostal movement, combining traditional Christian evangelism with prosperity theology and faith healing practices. His influence extends beyond religious circles into media, business, and publishing, making him one of the most recognizable religious personalities in Brazilian popular culture.

Early Life and Conversion

Romildo Ribeiro Soares was born in 1947 in Muniz Freire, a small city in the countryside of Espírito Santo state, Brazil [6]. The son of a construction worker and a housewife, his early life was marked by modest circumstances and hard work. A pivotal moment occurred in 1958 when he was 11 years old—during a visit to a nearby town, he saw a television set for the first time through a shop window, watching as a crowd gathered to observe this new technology [6].

Soares' religious transformation began in the late 1960s after reading a book by T. L. Osborn, an American Pentecostal evangelist known for his healing crusades [2]. This encounter with Osborn's teachings on faith healing and prosperity theology would fundamentally shape Soares' future ministry and theological approach.

Ministry and Church Foundation

Following his conversion, Soares quickly emerged as a supporter of faith healing and began developing his evangelistic career in the late 1960s [2]. His early ministry was influenced by the broader Pentecostal movement sweeping through Brazil during this period, which emphasized spiritual gifts, divine healing, and material prosperity as signs of God's blessing.

In 1980, Soares founded the International Church of God's Grace (Igreja Internacional da Graça de Deus), establishing what would become one of Brazil's largest Pentecostal denominations [7]. The church's theology centers on prosperity doctrine, faith healing, and the belief that financial success and physical health are divine rewards for faithful believers.

Soares is related through marriage to Edir Macedo, another prominent Brazilian televangelist and founder of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, creating a family network that significantly influences Brazil's religious landscape [7].

Television Ministry and Media Empire

The cornerstone of Soares' influence is his television program "Show da Fé" (Faith Show), which has broadcast for decades and represents one of Brazil's longest-running religious television programs [3][5]. The show airs on Band (Rede Bandeirantes), one of Brazil's major television networks, and reaches audiences across Latin America.

Through "Show da Fé," Soares presents teachings based on biblical scriptures and the examples of Jesus, often incorporating faith healing demonstrations, prosperity teachings, and viewer testimonials [4]. The program's format typically includes prayer sessions, biblical exposition, and appeals for financial contributions to support the ministry's work.

Soares has expanded his media presence through multiple platforms, including an official YouTube channel that features daily publications and religious teachings [4]. His Facebook presence maintains hundreds of thousands of followers, demonstrating his continued relevance in digital evangelism [3].

Literary and Musical Work

Beyond television, Soares has established himself as a prolific author and composer, producing numerous books and musical works that reinforce his theological teachings [2][7]. His publications typically focus on faith, prosperity, healing, and practical Christian living, serving both his congregation and the broader evangelical community in Brazil.

As a singer and composer, Soares has contributed to the contemporary Christian music scene in Brazil, creating works that complement his evangelistic message and provide additional revenue streams for his ministry operations.

Business Ventures and Influence

Soares operates as a businessman alongside his religious activities, managing various enterprises connected to his ministry [2]. These business interests include publishing, media production, real estate, and other ventures that support the International Church of God's Grace's operations and expansion.

His business acumen has enabled the church to maintain significant real estate holdings, operate television and radio stations, and fund international missionary activities. This integration of religious and business activities reflects the broader trend among Neo-Pentecostal leaders in Brazil who view material success as both a sign of divine favor and a tool for ministry expansion.

Controversies and Criticism

Like many prominent televangelists, Soares has faced criticism regarding his prosperity theology teachings and the financial practices of his ministry. Critics argue that prosperity doctrine exploits vulnerable populations by promising material rewards in exchange for financial contributions to the church.

The integration of faith healing claims with requests for donations has also drawn scrutiny from medical professionals and religious scholars who question the ethics and efficacy of such practices. However, Soares maintains a substantial following who credit him with positive spiritual and material transformations in their lives.

Legacy and Current Status

Today, R. R. Soares continues to lead the International Church of God's Grace and host "Show da Fé," maintaining his position as one of Brazil's most influential religious figures. His church operates numerous congregations across Brazil and has expanded internationally, particularly in other Latin American countries and among Brazilian diaspora communities.

Soares' impact on Brazilian evangelicalism extends beyond his own denomination, as his media presence and theological approach have influenced countless other pastors and religious entrepreneurs. His success in combining traditional evangelism with modern media and business practices has created a template that many subsequent religious leaders have followed.

Related Topics

• Edir Macedo
• International Church of God's Grace
• Brazilian Pentecostalism
• Prosperity Theology
• Televangelism in Latin America
• Neo-Pentecostal Movement
• Faith Healing
• Religious Broadcasting in Brazil

Summary

R. R. Soares is a Brazilian televangelist and founder of the International Church of God's Grace who became one of Latin America's most prominent religious media personalities through his long-running television program "Show da Fé."