It takes a special kind of person to execute a concept like the one on Married at First Sight. Three relationship "experts" sit at the helm of the show and match complete strangers to be married to each other sight unseen, based on a number of different compatibility factors and years of relationship advising under their belts. Pastor Calvin Roberson, or Pastor Cal, as he is affectionately known, is one of these three experts, along with other beloved expert Dr. Pepper Schwartz. A marriage coach, an author, a pastoral counselor, and a speaker, Pastor Cal certainly has the credentials to be named a relationship expert. If you're going to get married at first sight, Pastor Cal is probably the one you want to play matchmaker.
So how did he get to be where he is today? What made him want to take on such a wild concept, and how does he approach his role on the show? Here is everything we know about Pastor Cal from Married at First Sight.
10 He Founded The Progression Church In Atlanta
In 2013, Pastor Cal founded the Progression Church, a nondenominational church in Atlanta. The central beliefs of the church are that human relationships are of the utmost importance, and that each person can have a unique and intimate relationship with God. The Progression Church also specifically aims to reach young people, shedding some of the old and outdated church practices for fresh, approachable teachings that help young people foster community and cultivate meaningful interpersonal connections.
9 He's Been Married To His Wife, Wendy For 12 Years
Pastor Cal and his wife Wendy have a long, strong marriage and aren't just spouses - they are also partners in ministry and in their coaching organization. Wendy runs the ministry with Cal, and together they started a marriage coaching organization called "Married and Naked" (since rebranded "Marriage Ain't For Punks"), where they offer marriage coaching, ideas for trips and date nights, and advice on a wide variety of other topics for married couples. Pastor Cal has been married once before, but it's with Wendy that he feels he's finally gotten the strongest loving relationship to last a lifetime.
8 He's A Dad
Pastor Cal and Wendy are the parents to three adult children, so when it comes to the trials of marriage and children, they can speak from experience because they have been there. The couple, their daughter and two sons (from previous marriages) appear to be a close knit bunch from their Instagram presence, though Cal and Wendy clearly have a strong loving relationship outside their coparenting roles as well.
7 He's A Devoted Son
Pastor Cal's mother turned 100 years old this year, which undoubtedly keeps him busy, as a devoted family man. He affectionately credits his mom with giving him his snappy sense of humor, wise-cracking tendencies, and huge capacity for loving others.
6 He Holds Degrees In Religious Studies
Pastor Cal got his B.A. in theology from Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama. After earning his B.A., he went on to pursue his Masters of Divinity from Andrews University in Michigan. All that to say: he really knows his stuff. Though not all couples on Married at First Sight identify as religious, Pastor Cal advises from a place of spirituality and loving connection.
5 He's An Author
In addition to running a ministry and serving as a relationship expert on MAFS, Pastor Cal is now also an author. His book Marriage Ain't For Punks: A No-Nonsense Guide to Building a Lasting Relationship will be released in September 2021 and will feature more of his tough love marriage guidance that has become his signature on the show.
4 He Frequently Hosts Conferences And Workshops
In an effort to spread his teachings far and wide, Pastor Cal also frequently produces conferences and workshops that teach his methods. At "Marriage Ain't For Punks" conferences, couples learn how to self-evaluate better, accept themselves and their partners, and employ tools to make lasting improvements to their relationships.
3 He Officiates Weddings
That's right, Pastor Cal officiates weddings, and if you're in or near the Atlanta area, he could marry you and your partner! He has been a wedding officiant for over 25 years, meaning he has seen couples at all stages of their relationships and can offer expert guidance. His site offers a contact form with information about how to request he officiate your wedding.
2 He's Known For His Catchphrases
His iconic line, "Marriage ain't for punks," can be heard frequently on Married at First Sight, and that's become the title for his conferences and coaching programs as well. In addition to that famous tagline, he can also often be heard using other quips, such as, "Don't rehearse the problem, find the solution," and "I don't always do anything!"
1 He Drives A Convertible
Pastor Cal's Instagram frequently features short videos of Cal and Wendy driving in his convertible, goofing around together for the camera on their way to date nights and more. This speaks to Pastor Cal's personal value of fun in relationships, and he and Wendy speak frequently about living their best lives on purpose and enjoying luxuries like convertible rides and fun outings.