Outreach Pastor

Education: Youth Pastor in St. Paul, Minnesota (5 years); English Teacher and Pastor in Japan (9 years); Bible College Administrator in Owatonna, MN (4.5 years), Senior Pastor in St. John’s, Michigan (5 years), Chief Operations Officer at Student Statesmanship Institute (3 years); Pastor for Outreach at South Church since 2018.

Spouse: Naomi

Family: Isaac (and Brooke); Lily (and Alex plus their precious son, Xander)

Things I enjoy: Reading, Bible memory, following college football and basketball, playing backgammon, singing gospel songs with my grandson

Testimony: When the church doors were open, I was there; perched in the front row next to my brother. But after elementary school, I slipped into rebellion against both my parents and the church. Only the words of scripture could cure a cold heart like mine. “If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

The Bible continues to guide me and inform my choices as I move forward in my relationship with God. My passion is to use my education, gifts, and life experiences at home and abroad to be an ambassador for Jesus Christ and to inspire others to do the same.

tvanloh@southlife.org

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

Lead Pastor

Born and raised: Wixom, MI

Education: Grand Rapids Theological Seminary (MDiv); Michigan State University (BA Political Science)

Ministry Experience: Associate Pastor (2016-2024); Lead Pastor since November 2024

Spouse: Kate Sova

Children: Owen, Isabel

Hobbies: Reading, hanging out with friends, watching sports

Testimony: I was raised by Christian parents. Growing up we attended a small Baptist church in the Metro Detroit area. While I had much exposure to the gospel it was not until I attended a baptism class that I first really understood it. At that point I realized Christ’s death on the cross was the only thing standing between me–a sinner–and the wrath of God. Since then God has continued to demonstrate His faithfulness to me by patiently but persistently convicting me of my sin and allowing me to repent and enjoy fellowship with Him.

keithsova@southlife.org