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Ronnie Phillips Jr. steps into father’s shoes as pastor

Ronnie Phillips Jr., his wife Kelly and parents Paulette and Ron Phillips, from left, celebrate Ronnie Phillips' first sermon as lead pastor, a position held by his father for nearly 40 years. Ronnie Phillips said it was important to him that his succession be a decision made by the congregation of the church. "My family doesn't own this church. It's not a family business," he said. (Contributed photo) Ronnie Phillips Jr., his wife Kelly and parents Paulette and Ron Phillips, from left, celebrate Ronnie Phillips' first sermon as lead pastor, a position held by his father for nearly 40 years. Ronnie Phillips said it was important to him that his succession be a decision made by the congregation of the church. "My family doesn't own this church. It's not a family business," he said. (Contributed photo)

By Carson Cook February 21, 2018 3 min read

The congregation at Abba’s House is welcoming Ronnie Phillips Jr. to the pulpit as lead pastor, a role his father, Dr. Ron Phillips, has held for nearly 40 years.

Ronnie Phillips is a native of Chattanooga and has been a part of Abba’s House since he was born. He has worked for the Hixson Baptist church since 2007, but said he has felt called to serve since childhood.

“This is a childhood dream, honestly. I felt called by God to do this when I was 8 years old,” he said.

But the journey to becoming lead pastor has been long, winding, and not always easy, Ronnie Phillips said. For awhile, he ran from the call, spending seven years working for Unum.

When he was 23, he felt a revitalized calling to the church, and realized his time in corporate America had honed his leadership skills, he said.