Legacy Ministry Director

Born and raised: I was born and raised in the Lansing area. Most of my childhood was on a chicken farm in St. Johns. I lived in South Carolina for six years and returned to Michigan in 1986. My husband Gil and I live in Lansing in the home my grandparents built in 1938.

Education: Johnson & Wales Culinary University (Certificate Chef)

Ministry Experience: I was a Sunday School kindergarten teacher for over 25 years. My love is the kitchen ministry and have helped with meals at South Church sense 2009. During Covid I was able to lead Zoom classes for many Women’s Bible studies.

Spouse: Gil, he does a prison ministry with Keryx Ministries.

Kids: Together we have six children Murlin, Heather, Jaime, Shelia, Chad, and Levi. They have blessed us with 17 grandchildren.

Hobbies: Cooking, grandkids, and anything around water.

Testimony: When I was 7 a neighbor took me to Vacation Bible School. He then took me almost every week until he passed away when I was 12. I told a friend how upset I was, because I could no longer go to Church. Her family then picked me up for Church for many years because I did not have a Christian home. God in his Amazing Grace came and got me, and he has not left my side.

Executive Pastor

Born and raised: Wilmington, Ohio

Education: Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary (MDiv); Cedarville University (BA)

Ministry Experience: Traveling gospel teams and student chaplain at Cedarville College (now University); chaplain in student affairs department of Cornerstone University; senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Okemos for 15 years; pastoral team here at South Church since 2004 and serving now as executive pastor for ministries

Spouse: Becky Phillips

Hobbies: Reading, golf, racquetball, extreme croquet

Honors: Graduated with honor with a Master of Divinity degree from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary (GRBS); ordained to the ministry of the gospel in 1999; review articles published by The Gospel Coalition website

Community Activities: Board member for the Lansing City Rescue Mission; leading chapel services at Grand Haven Living Center

Testimony: I came to faith in Christ as a freshman in high school, and my ongoing discipleship continued during my time at Cedarville. During that time also, I believe God called me to pastoral ministry, leading me to further preparation at GRBS.

dphillips@southlife.org