I recently sat down with my father, Dr. Ron Phillips, and asked him some questions. I want you to hear his heart and get to know one of my heroes.
Q - People ask me, “What has your dad been up to the last three years in ministry?” Tell me what has God called you to do in this season.
A - The last three years have been busy with outside speaking opportunities in 11 states. Also, I have had many opportunities to speak and support the work at Abba’s House. I am working with a number of pastors in a mentoring relationship, which I enjoy. I feel like I learn from them, as well. I released my 36th book, “The Sermon: Keys to Living an Uncommon Life from the Sermon on the Mount”. Back in 2008, I preached a series of 23 messages from the Sermon on the Mount, and together with Dana Harding, we have compiled the truths of those messages into book form. I think if people will get the book and really put the principles of Jesus into practice in their lives, we could change the world.
I’ve had some health challenges as well, with complete replacement of my left shoulder and 5 months of therapy. Between the therapy and COVID, my speaking has been virtually shut down, but I’m looking to get back on the road this fall.
Q - Tell me about your experience with the Holy Spirit.
A - For me, the call to the ministry at age 16 was supernatural and mystical. At 19, I started pastoring a full-time church while I was still a student. I married Paulette and we began our family while my educational process continued. In April of 1989 at the age of 41, I was burned out and the wonder had gone from my soul. Not wanting to be a hypocrite, I considered resigning and leaving the successful ministry I was leading in Chattanooga.
Across those years I had hints about the baptism and fullness of the Holy Spirit. I had watched Rex Humbard, Oral Roberts, as well as AA Allen, on a black and white television as a young preacher, and I saw a difference in them. I had sat under Percy Rae, a Southern Baptist man of the Spirit at Camp Zion in Myrtle Mississippi when I was 18. I had heard and read Jack Taylor’s book “The Key to Triumphant Living,” which set a hunger in me for many years. My old mentor, WA Luckie, told me I needed the Holy Ghost. All along the journey, I had God’s power fall on me on occasion.
The crisis came as I was flying to Albuquerque to preach at a Baptist mission board meeting. Before my assignment, I heard Minette Drumright speak on the Holy Spirit’s power, enabling her to go through the untimely death of her beloved husband. Returning to my room, I fell across the bed and wept myself asleep. At midnight , three times I heard my name called audibly, and I finally did like Samuel and said, “Speak Lord, your servant hears.” I began to read Psalm 91-95.
When I got to Psalm 92:10, I read ”I shall be anointed with fresh oil....” At that moment, what had been on the inside overflowed and I was baptized in the Spirit. I went out in the Spirit for several hours, then wave upon wave of peace and joy came. That experience redirected my life and sustains me even to this day.
Great trials, victories, signs, wonders, and heartaches have followed across the last 31 years, yet the blessed Holy Spirit has given me the strength to continue. Tens of thousands have been transformed because of His mighty work. I think now of the old pentecostal chorus, “Great is the Father, great is the Son, great is the Holy Ghost, three in one....Jehovah is His name.”
Q - How did you deal with all the criticism and hateful venom people directed towards you over the years?
A - Being Lead Pastor for 38 years, with 25 of them on national and international television, put a target on my ministry. Our church has also survived some difficult seasons that became public. I have learned to be quiet, to trust God and make truth my defense. Most battles with critics are futile and a waste of time. There are times when one must admit they were wrong and try to make it right. Carnal weapons never win spiritual battles. Also being alone with God, praying in the Spirit, and encouragement from true friends helps. Strengthening angels and an unstoppable joy make a difference. Lifting ones eyes off the present circumstances to a better future moves one forward as well.
Q - What is the answer to all the division in this country?
A - The present division in the nation is difficult because it mirrors a culture clash around truth. The one word I heard at the George Floyd funeral around which we can gather is “Jesus.” Sadly I see a sinister unity clustering around socialism and anarchy, and Judeo/Christian views being marginalized. The possibility of genuine revival gives me hope.
Q - What are you looking forward to in the coming days?
A - I am looking forward to continuing my itinerant preaching ministry this fall, working with younger pastors, spending time with family, and better health. I can’t wait to see the new look of the Abba’s House property once the current renovations are complete. I’m praying for a new level of prophetic anointing.....and the rapture!!!!