"...The Holy Ghost's anointing on Brother Pilgrim is so strongly evident that the listeners are in for either a treat or a treatment..." - Carla Northcutt, Ph.D.

 

Robert Pilgrim is not a newcomer to the ranks of Pentecostalism.  Coming from a background of Cumberland Presbyteriansm, his family are pioneers with their spiritual roots in the Pentecostal movement reaching back for one hundred years.  So Pilgrim grew up in an atmosphere of understanding sin and the subsequent Calvinist guilt of breaking commandments and the fire of Pentecost which sanctifies the human heart.  Even so during his first year at the University of Mississippi, as an 18 year old freshman, he had his first encounter with the world of drugs.  Unable to continue supporting an ever-growing drug habit and balance the workload of school, he dropped out of the University, returned home, where he quickly graduated to $1500 a day cocaine habit.

By the age of 21 Pilgrim was "rolling in the proverbial dough" to support his own drug habit, he bagen selling drugs and, because of his outgoing personality and persuasive salesmanship style, quickly became a multimillionaire able to move in the highest of criminal and social circles in the Southeast.  Although he describes himself as "the life of the party," he was dying and miserable on the inside.  The convicting power of the Holy Spirit simply would not leave him alone.

At the age of 22, Pilgrim was convicted of drug charges and was sentenced to sixteen months in Mississippi State Prison.  The day he got out he began back in the drug business as though he had never been gone,.  Sinking even deeper into morass of sin, just prior to his twenty-sixth birthday, he realized that the life of drugs, money, and fame would literally be his death.  When he was miraculously saved in 1985, he was facing a 180 year prison term, but began immediately doing what God had called him to at the age of fourteen; to preach.  He testified of his salvation wherever he could from Kiwanis Clubs eventually to some of the largest churches in the country where he estimates, at this time, around 30,000 have been saved and 50,000 have been filled with the Holy Ghost.

Robert and Lori Pilgrim married in 1989.  He describes her as his best friend.  She has been his greatest supporter especially during the last five years when Robert has had significant health issues.  Because of his health, Pilgrim has not been able to travel and minister as much as before, but when he does, the Lords blesses the ministry and gives great results.

As he steps on the platform, Robert Pilgrim exudes a touch of class.  From the outside the adjective that best describes him might be "dapper."  But having been in the sanctuary early in the morning for prayer when he lies on his face, almost in agony because of his own pain, where I have heard him cry in a loud voice to God to heal him, to forgive him, to fill him, one can know that this is man who hears and follows God's voice.

The Holy Ghost's anointing on Brother Pilgrim is so strongly evident that the listeners are in for either a treat or a treatment.  Pilgrim is the consummate story-teller.  The Holy Ghost has taught him to take a short passage of scripture and analyze it through the ears of the first hearers, see it through the eyes of those to whom it was first presented.  Rich with historical and background information and with connections between the Old and New Testament, Pilgrim presents messages that are new and fresh to his listeners.  As he breaks down the Scripture and then transfers it to our context, one is aware that this is a man of the Word, a man of faithful study; he is doctrinally and biblically sound.  Sometimes with fiery delivery, sometimes through passionate tears, he moves the congregation to repentance, to sanctification, to Spirit baptism, to joy and dancing and, always, to increased faith.

He crusades against spiritual blindness and, because of this, sometimes finds himself at odds with the religious establishments that have grown cold, lifeless and impotent  His ministry brings change to every generation.  His evangelist's heart's cry is that all will be saved and spend eternity with God.  He knows that nothing short of radical reformation along the lines of Martin Luther appeal will heal our land and set the people free.  He understands and preaches against wickedness wherever it is found.  Christ is calling the Bride out of the world unto Him to be his chosen ones.  This is Brother Pilgrim's heart cry.

After one has heard Brother Pilgrim with open ears, hearts and minds, one can never be the same.  Truth changes persons, changes societies, and changes churches.  Pilgrim's exposition of the truth of God's Word finds its venue in old-fashioned, heart-rending, Holy Ghost filled preaching and teaching.  He is truly one of God's modern day prophets.

Carla Northcutt, Ph.D.

Mature Christians