Theodore H. Epp

Founder of Back to the Bible Radio Ministries

Theodore Epp was born on January 27, 1907, to missionary parents who were working with the Hopi Indians in Arizona. As a young man, he attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Biola College.

After moving to Nebraska, Epp purchased a daily fifteen-minute slot on a local radio station. From this modest beginning, he developed the international radio ministry known as Back to the Bible Broadcast, which now has offices in nine countries worldwide. Today, Theodore Epp’s name is virtually synonymous with Back to the Bible.

Due to his deep concern for missions, Epp dedicated one day each week on his broadcasts to highlight the need for worldwide outreach. The first known convert from Back to the Bible’s efforts was a young woman who later became a foreign missionary, supported by dedicated radio listeners. Overall, Back to the Bible has provided financial and prayer support to 300 missionaries serving across the globe.

From the earliest days of broadcasting, Epp placed great importance on reaching children and young people. Consequently, Saturday broadcasts featured youth singers and stories about Danny Orlis, with missions being a regular component of the program.

To reinforce the radio ministry, two monthly magazines were introduced: the Good News Broadcaster for adults and Young Ambassador for youth. Bible study and devotional books also became integral parts of the ministry.

In 1984, after nearly 45 years of preaching and teaching through radio broadcasting, Theodore Epp appointed Warren Wiersbe as the director and speaker for the worldwide ministry. In 1990, Woodrow Kroll took over those responsibilities, continuing Epp’s vision and commitment to call people back to the Bible.