The staff and church family at Abba’s House in Hixson honored Ron and Paulette Phillips for 30 years of ministry at the church with a surprise celebration on Oct. 4. During the morning festivities, the couple was surprised with video greetings and well wishes from leaders from across the United States. After a special greeting from his children and other family members, everyone enjoyed a video chronicling their 30 years of ministry at Abba’s House. The video and historical photographs are available online at www.abbashouse.com.
The student ministry became a cheering section, displaying cards that created one large sign communicating their love for the couple. That was followed by a corporate expression of love as every member of the church came forward and presented the Phillips with cards expressing their personal thanks for their service through the years. While the audience was bringing their cards forward, the choir, praise team and orchestra performed some of Pastor Ron and Paulette’s favorite music.
Following Pastor Phillips’ message, he was presented with the first copy of his brand new book Our Invisible Allies: The Holy Angels. That afternoon the couple enjoyed greeting guests at a special book signing just outside of Abba’s House Bookstore and Café.
In 1979, Ron Phillips became senior pastor of Central Baptist Church. Under his leadership, this Southern Baptist church has experienced the birth and growth of many ministries, and completed several building projects, and has exploded into new realms of renewal and spiritual awakening.
Having earned a Bachelor’s degree from Samford University, as well as a Masters of Divinity and a Doctorate of Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, his successes were many. But in 1989, he felt in his spirit that the joy in serving had left him. He was burned out in ministry and ready to resign when he had an encounter with the Holy Spirit that changed his life forever. With Pastor Phillips' new anointing came a deeper passion to reach across America and eventually around the world with the powerful message of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Phillips has a daily radio program called CenterPoint and a weekly television program which is broadcast internationally called Ron Phillips from Abba’s House.
Mrs. Phillips has played an integral role in the growth of the ministry. As Pastor of Adult Education, Paulette oversees all the LifeGroup discipleship programs. She also teaches the weekly area-wide Haven Worship, Bible study for women and men on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. She coordinates the Project Esther outreach to homeless women and children, and is a featured speaker at women's events and conferences. Both Pastor Ron and Paulette are published authors.
Today, the church has is known as Abba's House, a place where all are welcomed by the Father's embrace.