After a ten-year career as a high school teacher and coach, Phillip joined the staff of Cedar Creek Church in 1999 as associate pastor and became senior pastor in 2007. Under Phillip’s leadership, the church grew from a single campus on the south-side of Aiken to three regional campuses located in the CSRA.

In spite of the growth, the mission of the church remained the same; Helping people find their way back to God. Phillip lead the people of Cedar Creek Church to live on purpose and to give their lives away in service to others. He often said; “We don’t want to be the best church IN our community; we want to be the best church FOR our community.” Cedar Creek continues to partner with local and global agencies to help meet the needs of hurting people wherever they live.

Phillip believes that the church is one of the most leadership intensive organizations on the planet, because most of the work is done by up-paid volunteers. A sense of mission, vision and teamwork are essential motivators, because nobody is getting paid. He also believes that leadership is influence and influence comes from a willingness to serve others, not from a position or title.

Retiring from the senior pastorate at Cedar Creek Church in May of 2026, Phillip plans to continue living with purpose and on mission, bringing life and hope to individuals and families in our community.