Robyn Gool, the senior pastor of Victory Christian Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away on November 18, 2022, after a long illness. His death was announced by his wife, Marilyn Gool, and the church on their website and social media platforms. No specific cause of death was given, but the church said that Gool “had been ill for a little while.”
Gool was a prominent figure in the Charlotte faith community, having founded Victory Christian Center in 1980 with his wife. The church grew from a small warehouse congregation to a large non-denominational ministry with multiple campuses, schools, colleges, and outreach programs.
Gool was also an author, speaker, radio and television host, and a mentor to many pastors and leaders. He was known for his passion for preaching and teaching the Word of God, his love for people, and his vision to “give God another generation.”
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Early Life and Education
Gool was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 11, 1953. He was the middle child of Curtis and Thurma Gool. He had four siblings: Marty, Catherine, Sandra, and Fyllismarie.
Gool accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of nine, but he made Jesus Lord of his life while attending Oral Roberts University on a tennis scholarship. It was there that he was exposed to the baptism and gifts of the Holy Spirit and accepted the call of God to preach and teach the Gospel.
He met his future wife, Marilyn Ann Burrows, during his second year at ORU. They got married on December 28, 1974 in Nassau, Bahamas.
Ministry and Legacy
After graduating from ORU, Gool served as a pastor in the Methodist church for six years. In July of 1980, he and his wife started Victory Christian Center in a warehouse 11 miles outside of Charlotte with 64 people in attendance.
The church soon outgrew its location and moved to several different places before settling in its current main campus on Tuckaseegee Road. The church also expanded to other locations in Charlotte and beyond.
Gool had a vision to provide quality Christian education for children and adults. He founded Victory Christian Center School in 1989 for preschool and K-12 students. He also started More Than Conquerors College in 1991, which is a private post-secondary institution for academic and spiritual study.
Gool also had a heart for missions and outreach. He established Church In The City in 1998 as VCC’s first satellite church to serve the inner city of Charlotte. He also opened a women’s shelter in 2006 to help homeless women in transition.
Gool authored eight books on various topics such as faith, healing, marriage, ministry, and leadership. Two of his books have been used by churches as required reading for ministry of helps.
Gool was also a radio and television personality. He hosted several programs such as “Victory Today,” “The Robyn Gool Show,” and “The Victory Hour.” He also appeared on national and international networks such as TBN, Daystar, INSP, The Word Network, and others.
Gool was a mentor and father figure to many pastors and leaders. He was affiliated with several organizations such as the International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Oral Roberts University Alumni Association (ORUAA), Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship (FGBCF), National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), and others.
Family and Personal Life
Gool was married to Marilyn Gool for almost 48 years. They had three children: Marilyn Joi White, Sanchia Chapman, and Robyn Johms Gool. Their son Robyn Johms Gool died in 2020.
Gool had seven grandchildren: Jalen White, Jada White, Jaxon White, Jazlyn White, Jace White, Jayla Chapman, and Jayden Chapman.
Gool loved sports, especially tennis and golf. He also enjoyed traveling, reading, music, movies, and spending time with his family and friends.
Celebration of Life Service
A “Celebration of Life” service for Gool will be held on Monday, November 28 at Victory Christian Center Main Campus. The service will be open to the public and will also be live-streamed on the church’s website and social media platforms.
The church has asked for prayers and condolences for the Gool family and the VCC family during this time of grief and loss.
The church has also requested that in lieu of flowers or cards, donations be made to Victory Christian Center or More Than Conquerors College in honor of Gool’s legacy.
According to WFAE, Gool is survived by his wife, daughters, grandchildren, siblings, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Gool will be remembered as a man of God who touched and changed countless lives with his faith, love, and service. He will be greatly missed by his family, church, and community.
