Pastor Walter E. Ellis

Whether preaching, teaching, praying, or singing, Pastor Walter E. Ellis brings a dynamic energy and passion for transforming lives to his unique ministry. He is shepherd of the flock at the Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. For the past 41 years, he has challenged his congregation, the community, and online Web viewers to become ambassadors for Christ. As the Senior Pastor, he is an anointed visionary leader whom God has appointed to lead the discipleship of the Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church to the next phase of spiritual growth and abundant blessings. His vision is much like the vision for increased building that God gave to Nehemiah. Pastor Ellis sought God’s will for the church, and has led his congregation through great strides of transformation.

Under Pastor Ellis’ vision and leadership, Pilgrim Rest has birthed numerous ministries, expanded its Christian Education Outreach and consistently increased membership. At the West Campus location, church attendance grew to such an extent that the capacity of the overflow area was frequently exceeded. The vision continued as the ministry underwent a massive expansion to its new East Campus location, which is a larger worship center to accommodate the growing membership. The Pilgrim Rest church family moved into its current worship center (East Campus) in July 2011. Today, one of his most thankful visionary reflections is the capacity-filled 9:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday mornings, where the needs of the congregation and
the surrounding community are being met. Pastor Ellis’ powerful messages are also spread globally through live streaming each Sunday morning where he challenges and encourages believers to embrace
life-changing results. Pastor Ellis is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Carey Ellis, born the fourth of
eleven children to this union. He received his early education from the Elmore County Public School System, graduated from Holtville High School, and earned his Bachelor of Theology Degree (BHT) from the IDI
School of Theology. Pastor Ellis was predestined and called by God into the ministry in December 1976, and he preached his first sermon in February 1977. He is a born again believer with a spiritual conviction
and he believes that the gospel of Jesus Christ is about serving the needs of his fellow man. His ministry extends beyond the walls of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church into the highways and bi-ways of the world.
He wholeheartedly trusts that Jesus Christ is the perfect example of Servant Leadership, and that we must strive to be just like Jesus. In his committed quest to win souls for Christ, he stands firmly on God’s word in Psalm 37:23 that “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.” Pastor Ellis is married to Mrs. Sadie Smith Ellis and sharing in their proud joy are four children: Dwayne, Kimberly, Eric, and Keith, who has been preaching the gospel since April 2, 2006.