Phil Who?
For the past twenty-four years I have served as the lead pastor of First Church of the Nazarene in Jackson, Michigan. In addition to my ministry there, I’m a writer and an adjunct professor at Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan. I did my undergraduate work in Biblical Literature and then went on to seminary. Following that I did graduate work in Peace Studies and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. 
More importantly, I’m a husband, a dad and a Christ follower. I have been married to a fantastic woman for more than thirty years. My time with Carol has brought good things—three awesome kids, two fantastic kids-in-law, and three grandchildren. Bekah and Scott and the babies—Matthew, Sophia and Isaac—live near us in Jackson. Nate and Jen live in New Orleans. And Caitlin, my 16-year-old, is still at home.
I’ve been walking with Jesus even longer than I’ve known Carol. And even though it has been a number of years, I’m still heavy into discovery mode. I’m trying to learn all I can about what it means to follow Him and to be an agent of His grace.
My Purpose is found in Acts 20:24—“I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace.”
My Prayer is found in Matthew 6:10—“Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
(I apologize for the name of this site. I tried to think of a great title, but came up empty. It's probably okay that my name is on it because I'm responsible for everything here. I'm not speaking for my church or my denomination. I'm just sharing my journey.)
Me and my first grandchild, Matthew Phillip
Moilanen, at one day old (him, not me)
Matthew's little sister, Sophie, at five months. Sophie was born on my birthday, May 3, in 2010.
This was the day Matthew and Sophie moved from New York to Jackson. We were pretty excited to see each other.
The newest addition is Isaac Michael Moilanen.