Asides

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

Facilities Manager

Born and raised: Born in Lansing, MI. Raised in Eaton Rapids, MI

Education: Lansing Community College (Associates degree in drafting and design); builders license

Ministry Experience: I have had the privilege to serve in various church leadership positions.

Spouse: Tami Harrison (married since 1997)

Kids: Caleb, Moriah, Logan, Bree, Claire

Hobbies: Watching/playing sports and coaching kids’ soccer

Testimony: My family started to attend church regularly when I was nine years old. Soon thereafter, I accepted Jesus as my Savior. In high school we started to attend South Church and I was really grounded in the Word and equipped through the college group here at South.

tharrison@southlife.org

Business Coordinator

Born and raised: Lansing, MI

Education: Calvin Seminary (ThM); Grand Rapids Theological Seminary (MTS); Michigan State University (BA)

Spouse: Melanie Seal

Kids: Tyler, Abby, Brody

Hobbies: Reading, running

Testimony: I trusted Christ as my personal savior at age six. It was not until my teen years that I understood the full implication of that faith. I fully realized my sin kept me from knowing God personally and that Jesus’ death and redemption made that relationship possible. This relationship requires obedience to God’s call in all areas of my life. My Christian experience has shown me the faithfulness of God. As I have learned about the character of God and his Son I have tried to incorporate that into my day to day living. I have tried, although not always successfully, to demonstrate in my relationships what it means to be a member of the redeemed community.

dseal@southlife.org

Audio/Visual Coordinator

Born and raised: McMinnville, OR

Education: Clackamas Community College

Hobbies: Writing and Recording Music, Cooking, Playing Video Games

Testimony: Born into a Christian household, I accepted Christ and was baptized at 8 years old. During my youth, I became aware of a calling on my life — to serve in worship ministry. After many years of serving in a number of different volunteer roles, my wife and I felt called to “step out of the boat” and follow where the Lord would lead us. Shortly thereafter, I accepted my first full-time ministry position and moved myself and my young wife to Haslett, Michigan. After 7 months, the Lord lead me to apply for and accept this position here at South. My life verse is Proverbs 16:9, ” The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

esimpson@southlife.org

Ministry Assistant to Pastor Corb

Born and raised: Leslie, Michigan

Education: School of Life

Hobbies: Composing & Recording, Story Telling, Gaming, Frisbee

Testimony: Raised as a “Pastors Kid,” I came to my senses by the age of 16 and embraced Christ as my everything. I have worked in various churches since that time as a worship leader and youth counselor. Through every trial, Christ has kept me and I will continue to thank Him for His unending, faithful care.

jlinsley@southlife.org

Web Developer

Born and raised: Grand Ledge, MI

Education: Michigan State University (Bachelor of Fine Arts – Graphic Design)
Western Michigan University (Teaching Certificate – Art)

Family: Sarah and our four children.

Hobbies: Music, sound & lighting production, and almost anything else.

Testimony: After a difficult time in high school, Christian friends brought me to youth group, and helped me find what was missing in my life. At MSU, Sarah and I joined the South Church college group, and have been part of South’s family since 1999 – serving as short-term missionaries, working with junior high, senior high and college students, playing music for services, running sound for services, and helping develop a new Bible community and worship service.