Rev. Dave Phillips
|
My call into ministry happened sixteen years ago on a cold rainy day. A few months later after realizing the need to submit my life to the love, sacrifice, and authority of Christ my call was confirmed. It has been my deepest privilege to serve these last eight years in various youth pastor roles. I have learned so much over from the moment I first felt God’s call. It has always been my honor to pursue God’s will and calling in my life no matter what the challenge or cost.
I spent the last four years, two of which were on location, Church Planting with my wife Olivia Phillips in the City of Toronto, during which time our son Tristan was born. My passion is to see people thrive in their relationship with Christ. Be it starting a relationship with him, or growing deeper in the one that you already have. I love new ideas and trying to see how we can use out gifts, passions and interests to help people deepen their understand of who God is and what he wants for every persons life. One of the things that excites me the most about Newington Wesleyan Church is the potential that the church has. I am excited to see how God will use me, and Newington Wesleyan to reach the area. Things I love: Reptiles, Lord of the Rings, RPGs, Chai Lattes, Board Games, Football, Fishing, Video Games, & Anime Things I hate: Wet Socks |
Rev. Olivia Phillips
|
I often wonder what makes a person truly what they are, so let me tell you about myself. I love academia, and have spent most of my life pursuing things that I could actually accomplish. As a child, I had poor health and severe neck/back injuries from bullying, and so my utopia was homework - a task which I could do without assistance from others. My desire for independence helped me to see patterns of exclusion that existed around me, in ways that I may not have been privileged to see otherwise.
It was once I finally began to understand the circumstances of others that the call to social justice was deeply implanted within my heart. My call to ministry was implanted at a young age, but was not fully revealed to me until my grade 12 year. I stood at the altar during a youth conference and heard God's voice resonate in my heart telling me to leave behind my full-ride scholarship to a well-known medical school, and instead take on the debts of becoming a minister of the Gospel. I felt passionate about learning theology and helping others grow in their understanding of Scripture. So here I am today. A Reverend in the Wesleyan Church of Canada, a former church-planter (Toronto, ON), passionately pursuing God's call on my life. My husband, also a Pastor, is incredibly supportive of my writing and ministry as we work to pursue God's calling on our lives. Together, with our young son, we strive to follow God. Things I love: Reading, Quilting, Board Games, Video Games, Music, K-Drama, Anime, & Popcorn Things I hate: When people audibly make a "huff" noise |