Tribute to the Late Pastor James Phillip
In 2006, my family I found ourselves at Balham. I was there to do my internship with Pastor James Phillip.
It did not take long for me to call him dad rather than Pastor Phillip and to us, that was who he was.
Dad (Pastor Phillip) had an ear and taste for good music. We had many discussions about his sound blaster, amplifier, and his stereo in the office. He was a gadget man and though I was a young Pastor, I could not compete with him. He had every new gadget release without exception.
Dad (Pastor Phillip) enjoyed the variety of food and commented on every dish. He knew how to make people feel good about their cooking and appreciated as well as celebrated everybody’s culture, especially “food.”
Dad (Pastor Phillip) was a good listener and communicator and was willing to share his life journey. As a result, we talked and discussed anything – absolutely anything.
He taught me that ministry is about people, not sermons and this was very evident in our pastoral visits which defied the book theory of 30-45 minutes maximum because our pastoral visits included:
• Cooking
• Plumbing work
• Carpentry
• Shopping
• Painting
• Gardening
• Accounts management
• Watching the news with the members and talking about life
In fact, when I visited with Dad (Pastor Phillip), it felt like visiting a family member rather than a church member.
Dad (Pastor Phillip) was a very practical minister and extremely generous with his money and time. Any time we visited abroad, he ensured that he brought back something for the church members.
When it came to meetings – Dad (Pastor Phillip) was in attendance and engaging. He always insisted that I wear a tie and at least a jacket. He’d exclaim – “you represent God and I do not want anyone visiting with me looking like a “riff-raff.” He had a unique taste for fashion and co-ordination.
Any time I sit in my car, I will remember Dad (Pastor Phillip). Let me tell you why. I have my comb, hand cream, toothbrush and toothpaste, perfume, and lip balm. These and many more are the items that greet your sight when you explore his car. He always had an extra tie in his car and he’ll say to me – “boy, you always need to have these things in the car so that the members do not see you with patched dry hands and spinach stuck in your teeth”.
Most of the time we did pastoral visits in one car – either his Mercedes or my Nissan. Once we went on a pastoral visit in two cars – he was in front because he knew where he was going and I followed. All of a sudden, we found ourselves on a one-way road. As an obedient intern – I followed. Two weeks later we both received a ticket which I hesitated to tell him. Some weeks later, he asked, “Anthony”, I responded – “Yes dad. Did you get any parcel in the post?” I replied – “Parcel? No”. He said “well, I did, and handed me his fine”. We both burst out in laughter.
Pastor Phillip took me everywhere he went and introduced me to all his friends that we came in contact with. It was almost like Mary had a little lamb that went everywhere that Mary went. I remember on one occasion we went to the United States and in the morning, I took my shirt and put it on the hanger. When I came later to put on my shirt, it was nowhere to be found. Upon a closer look, I realized that Dad (Pastor Phillip) had my shirt on. I knew because it looked tight on him but he took no notice. Later on, I realised that he had almost the same colour shirt on the chair and seeing my shirt assumed that it was his. We had a great laugh.
Dad (Pastor Phillip) and mum (Mrs. Phillip) frequently invited our family home. He boasted frequently of his June plum juice with ginger and lime and his cooking skills. I must confess, he did have a point. We enjoyed many meals and fellowship with them at his home.
Despite all that I have shared, Dad (Pastor Phillip) was a very serious minister that you did not mess with. He was ready to discuss any subject and if anyone got too big for their shoes, he knew how to put that person in their right place.
He had an international encyclopedic knowledge about almost anybody in the British Union Conference and around the world – at least that is what it seemed like to me. You just had to mention the name and …
Dad (Pastor Phillip) was fearless and always had up-to-date information. He was indeed unique and exceptional.
It was a great privilege to call him dad and it is still a privilege for Helen and me to call Mrs. Ann Phillip as mum.
Our deepest condolences to the family. May the Lord comfort you.