The congregation of Abba's House will welcome a new but familiar face Sunday. Dr. Ronnie Phillips Jr. will take the pulpit for his first Sunday as lead pastor, assuming the role his father, Dr. Ron Phillips, held for nearly 40 years.
A native of Chattanooga, Ronnie Phillips has been a part of Abba's House since he was born and has served the Hixson church full-time since 2007 in many capacities, including senior associate pastor, and preaching regularly for several years. He also served as interim pastor at Truth Tabernacle in Stone Mountain, Ga.
He holds a bachelor's degree in theology and a Master of Ministry degree in biblical studies. He graduated with a Doctor of Ministry degree from Covington Theological Seminary in 2015. He also has led crusades in Guatemala, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic and in states across the Southeast for Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He and his father co-wrote the book "The Power of Agreement," a message on unity for the restoration of churches. He serves on the executive board of Houses of Hope International, which manages 31 orphanages around the world.
The younger Phillips serves on several local boards in the city and has ministered to children on a weekly basis as the former vice president of the Hixson Youth Athletic Association and chaplain for the Hixson High School football team (2010). He worked at Unum for seven years before officially joining the Abba's House team.
His wife, Kelly, is an executive with Cigna Healthcare. They have three boys: Trey, Reid and Ryce.
Morning worship begins at 10:30 a.m. Abba's House is at 5208 Hixson Pike. Visit abbashouse.com for more information.