Email: philip@redeemer-cincy.org
When and how did you know it was your calling to become a priest? This was something with which I wrestled for a several years. But the actual “moment”? I was on the phone with my dad, driving through the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. He had called because he said the last time he saw me I had been more overtly conflicted than I usually am – which is a lot. During the conversation he asked me why the turmoil, and I responded “Because I’m afraid.” Before he could answer I lost my signal and the call dropped. And it hit me: I’m not afraid because I don’t know what to do – I’m afraid because I do know what to do. A few minutes later I got a signal and had a voicemail from my dad. He said, “Son, we got cut off, but I heard you say you’re afraid. And it seems to me that you’re afraid because you know exactly what you need to do.” Boom. Priest.
Anything you would like people to know about your family? I have been married to Krista since July 19, 2008. She is patient, kind, tender, and a phenomenal mother to our three children.
Where did you go to school? I received an M.Div. from Virginia Theological Seminary in 2010, and a B.A. in Drama from Tufts University in 2001.
How did you become a Christian? I became a Christian when I was baptized as an infant, and there has not been a time in my life when I have not known Jesus. At the same time, I feel like I am still becoming a Christian, am still learning what this means, and I hope I never stop becoming a Christian.
How did you come to be at Redeemer? By the Grace of God.
What’s the best thing about being a Christian? Living into the knowledge that we are all being loved no matter what, that we are born out of God’s love, and born for love.
What’s your favorite movie? Pulp Fiction, The Lord of the Rings, Inside Llewyn Davis, Searching For Bobby Fischer, Fearless – these are a few of my favorite things.
What are your favorite restaurants in Cincinnati? The Echo and Mazunte.
What’s your favorite place in the world? A Movie theater or a Bob Dylan concert right when the lights go down.
Any pets? Django the dog. He is named after Django Reinhardt, my favorite guitarist. He is a mutt and he rocks.
How do you spend your days off? Hanging with my family, playing the ukelele, cooking, watching as much TV as humanly possible.
What’s a personal project you can’t wait to finish/start? My wife and I are watching the AFI Top 100 movies in ascending order. As of this writing we are somewhere in the 80s. We stalled out for a few years, but I think I can talk her into starting back up. Also I want to learn the drums.
What was your first job? I sold sheds and patio furniture one summer in New Hampshire. I was exceptionally bad at it.
What’s the most powerful book you have ever read (not the bible) and why? Franny & Zooey by J.D. Salinger makes me believe in God. And True and False by David Mamet kept me out of grad school (until I ended up going to grad school, but that’s a different story.)
What will you ask Jesus when you meet? I’m looking forward to the embrace more than any specific conversation we might have.
What’s your prized possession? My wedding ring.
What’s a time when you felt close to God? Pretty much whenever I fail. So, yeah – a lot.
Who’s the person you’d most like to meet (living or dead)? Johnny Cash
What would you like to say to the people of Redeemer? Never underestimate the depth and the width and the breadth of the love that God has for you. It is the heart of this community, the center of the Church and the message of the Cross. If we are to be a center of Grace we must be rooted and grounded in that love. Love for our God, our neighbor and ourselves will pour out of us when we tap into the love that He has for us. But, really, I didn’t need to tell you that, did I? Because you can see it and feel it here on a Sunday morning and it can get you through your day, your week, your life.
