Phil Anderson Retirement Announcement

Near the end of 2007, shortly after I came to Macon to serve as the Lead Pastor of what was then called, “Vineville North Baptist Church,” I began searching for someone to focus on our adult ministry needs. I immediately thought of Phil Anderson — a friend and colleague from our days serving together at First Baptist Church of Charlotte, North Carolina. For the previous fifteen years, Phil served as the Minister of Activities in that church; however, I knew of his responsibility for leading the Men’s and Young Adult Ministries. Prior to his time in Charlotte, he’d served for ten years as the Minister of Youth at Vineville Baptist Church, the congregation who formed a second campus known as Vineville North Baptist Church in 1998. 

My phone call to Phil confirmed what I’d hoped; that he was open to idea of moving to Macon and serving our church. This conversation led to Phil and his wife, Penny, moving to Macon and Phil beginning his ministry in April of 2008, serving as our “Connections Pastor” and overseeing all aspects of our Adult Ministry. 

Much has transpired in the last 17 years since Phil and Penny moved to Macon: his son graduated from high school and college; both Phil’s children married; his adult daughter and her husband moved to Macon; and he became a grandfather of four. It has been a joy to celebrate these milestone events with him.

However, we also have cried with Phil through Penny’s battle with cancer and the Lord calling her home in 2019. Penny was not only the spouse of a staff member, but a faithful servant whose ministry impacted so many lives. We marveled at the strong faith of this couple as they walked through this incredibly difficult season. After Penny’s passing, Phil continued to serve in a full-time capacity until 2023, when he transitioned to a part-time role and narrowed his focus on equipping our congregation for local, national, and international missions. 

A few months ago, Phil informed me and Stephen Howard of his intent to fully retire at the end of 2025. While we are saddened to lose Phil as an official staff member, we take solace in the knowledge that he isn’t going anywhere and will most certainly become the number one volunteer in our church.

We are tremendously thankful for Phil’s ministry, the numerous lives he has touched, and the ways the Lord has used him in helping us reach our community with the gospel. As we approach the end of this calendar year, we will keep you informed of ways you can honor and celebrate Phil’s ministry with us.