philstout.org

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Besides my ministry at JaxNaz, I'm a sometimes writer and an adjunct professor at Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan. I studied Biblical Literature in my undergraduate work and then went on to seminary. Currently I'm doing doctoral work through the Association of Chicago Theological Schools and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

More importantly, I'm a husband, a dad and a Christ follower. Carol and I have been hanging out together for more than thirty years. A lot of good stuff has come my way because of that, including three beautiful kids, two fantastic kids-in-law, and a baby grandson.

I've been hanging out with Jesus even longer. But even though we've been together a long time, I'm still heavy in discovery mode. I'm trying to learn all kinds of things, but especially what it means to walk with Him day by day and how I can become an effective agent of grace.

Acts 20:24 - my purpose

Matthew 6:10 - my prayer

Phil's Blog

Sermon Blog

Seasonal Alert!

Check out adventconspiracy.org!

Christmas can [still] change the world.

Thanks for dropping by!

I have the tremendous privilege of serving as a pastor in the Church of Jesus Christ. I live and work among believers who continually inspire me and challenge me to grow. I've served the same congregation—First Church of the Nazarene in Jackson, Michigan—for twenty-one years. One of the things we've come to understand is that everything we do should be done in community. That means our understanding of the Jesus message should grow in community.

philstout.org is an attempt at community. Perhaps more accurately, it's an attempt at connection. Community is done in the flesh—face to face and life to life. But here we have the opportunity to connect in addition to and beyond the local community.

There are a number of purposes for philstout.org. It's a place where...

you can access my sermons (and those of other speakers at JaxNaz).
you can read daily devotionals that are based on those messages. (Printable versions are available.)
we can interact.

There are two blog streams. Phil's Blog covers a number of topics that are of interest to me. Who knows, maybe some of them will be of interest to you, too!

From time to time I'll make comments in my Sermon Blog. I can add content to what I have spoken on in previous days. You can add comments, ask questions or do both.

you can subscribe to feeds of the devotionals and/or blogs (see SUBSCRIBE down and to your left).
you can check out some great sites on my "Links" page.
I can share with you some books that have been meaningful to me (see "I Recommend...").

Hopefully, we can do some stretching and growing together.

I apologize for the name of this site. I tried to think of some catchy title, but nothing came to mind. It's probably okay for me to use my own name because what you find here you can blame on me. I'm not speaking on behalf of my church or denomination. I'm just sharing my journey.

Again, thanks for dropping by. Come often!

Phil