I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2

In my lifetime I have gotten to know so many “ordinary saints,” and so how do I choose just one? In the end the “ordinary saint” who has meant the most to my life has been and is my dad, Harold Phillips. When I was growing up, he coached our soccer and baseball teams, he helped us with projects and our homework, and he was always there for us no matter what the need might be.  

But we also saw this love and dedication for his church. He sang in the choir, served as elder and deacon, he was on at least two pastoral search committees, and he did whatever else was asked or needed of him. When he moved an hour north and left that church and joined another, once again he took on several leadership roles. Several years back, he once again moved, but this time from Southern California out here to South Carolina. The first thing he did was to help me to add 900 square feet onto my house; but he also found himself involved in another church, building props for children’s programs, going on mission trips to wire fans in the Dominican Republic, and taking on a leadership role with the men’s group.

My dad has always taught me the importance in using the gifts that God has given to us that we might serve others. This past December he turned 80 years old. He can’t do everything he once did, but he still serves wherever and whenever he can.

Steve Phillips

About the Contributor

Reverend Steve Phillips spent many years working with youth and young adults. Currently, he is the Stated Supply Pastor of First Presbyterian Church Woodruff.