Since 1979, Ron Phillips has been senior pastor of Central Baptist Church, now known as Abba’s House, located in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area. A dynamic encounter with the Holy Spirit in 1989 started the fires of rebirth that soon spread to the church and every aspect of ministry. Pastor Phillips began to introduce the things of the Spirit that the Lord was teaching him, and the flames of awakening began to heat up the spiritual temperature of the members, and spread outward, crossing denominational lines.

His television program, Ron Phillips from Abba’s House, blends solid biblical exposition with a simplicity anyone can understand. In addition, he hosts the daily 15-minute radio program, CenterPoint, across the nation, and throughout the world via the Internet. . He has now authored over 20 books, including Awakened By The Spirit, Vanquishing The Enemy, Our Invisible Allies and his latest release from Charisma House, “Everyone’s Guide to Demons & Spiritual Warfare.”

Ron Phillips Ministries is located on the campus of Abba’s House in Hixson, Tennessee, on the outskirts of Chattanooga.

Denise Craig is the Chief Financial Officer at Abba's House. She was trained at Southwestern Theological Seminary, and she is a Certified Church Business Administrator. Also, Denise is a member of the Manchester Who's Who Among Executive and Professional Women.

Denise graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a degree in Music Education.

Denise is one of those rare mixes of both creative and administrative. She taught Music and Drama to sixth through twelth grade students, directed several full-length musicals, plays and madrigal dinner theaters, as well as served on several professional music committees. Her experience spans both financial and musical genres, and she feels called to the work God has brought her way here at Abba's House.

Billy's is responsible for the maintenance and management of the overall physical facilities at Abba's House.

Billy holds a B.A. in religion from Carson-Newman College, and has worked in various positions since entering the ministry in 1983.

He serves here at Abba's House because he knows that God has called him here for such a time as this.

If you've ever given money to Abba's House, it has passed through Janie Poland's capable hands. Janie has the huge job of making all the bank deposits, contribution posting, and reconciling bank statements. She also helps with the scheduling of activities and resources for events.

Janie says, "I work at Abba’s House because at this stage in my life, this is were I feel that I have been called. I came as a volunteer and stayed. I feel even through I work in the finance and administrative side of Abba's House, my work still makes a difference in lives. "

Paulette Phillips is the wife of Pastor Ron Phillips and is an integral part of his ministry at Abba's House.

After a 20 year career as a high school English and Literature teacher, she resigned to follow God's calling into ministry.

As Pastor of Adult Ministries, Paulette oversees all the LifeGroup discipleship programs and directs the Women's ministry. She also teaches the weekly area-wide Haven Worship service, coordinates the Project Esther outreach to homeless women and children, and is a featured speaker at women's events and conferences.

Joe brings over 30 years of experience as a senior pastor to his role of Pastor of Spiritual Life here at Abba's House.

He directs the prayer ministry, the prophetic team and oversees the Healing Rooms.

Joe also leads the Bridgers, a very special group of adults 55 and over, with monthly meetings and special events throughout the year.

As if all that wasn't enough, Joe also assists in the counseling ministry.

Joe says, "I'm honored to see how the Lord allowed me the privilege of serving on staff here at Abba's House. I feel my calling here is to serve in any way I can. I want to be an encourager to the body of Christ. I desire deeply to be sensitive to God and take the weak and make them strong and take the strong and make them stronger and take the great and make them greater."

Ken Hartley is the Worship Leader at Abba’s House and has traveled extensively with Pastor Ron Phillips to lead worship for various events ever since joining the staff in 2003. In his capacity as the Executive Pastor of Worship at Abba’s House, he oversees all aspects of worship at the church including the worship services, the choir, the orchestra, the praise teams, soloists, youth worship, as well as special events, such as Fresh Oil New Wine, All American night, and the Living Christmas Tree.

Ken began singing and acting at the age of five. Since then he has been an actor and voice over artist on stage and screen. He received his B.A. from Union University in Music and Communication Arts in 1989. He was called to the ministry in 1987 and since that time has served as a worship leader in churches in Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. He has led worship all over the United States in churches and for many nationwide conferences as well as internationally in Europe, South America, and the Middle East.

Ken was saved at the age of 14 and was called to the ministry at the age of 19. He went through a crisis of faith in 1999 resulting in a dramatic encounter with the Holy Spirit. Since that time he found a new, heartfelt passion to worship the Lord in Spirit and truth.

In addition to leading worship with Pastor Ron Phillips at Abba’s House and around the world, he has been privileged to lead worship with such noted speakers as the late Dr. Jerry Falwell, Dr. John Hagee, Dr. Tommy Tenney, Pastor Tommy Bates, Pastor Rod Parsley, Pastor Jentezen Franklin, Dr. Rodney Howard-Browne, and Bishop T.D. Jakes. He is also a featured soloist and worship leader on “Ron Phillips from Abba’s House” and has led worship on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), Inspiration Network (INSP), and the Daystar Network multiple times.

Ken is also a featured conference speaker on the subject of worship and choirs. He has spoken at various churches and events such as “Super Conference” at Liberty University, Lee University, The Prayer of Jabez Conference and the J&J Music Conferences.

Additionally, Ken performs as a professional illusionist and motivational speaker all around the United States (including Las Vegas) and internationally. His recent stage show featured a car disappearing from the stage and reappearing in the parking lot! Using these talents Ken has opened for many Christian concert artists like Big Daddy Weave, Chris Tomlin, NewSong, and Mercy Me to name a few.

Ken is delighted and honored to serve the Lord at Abba’s House. He makes his home in Chattanooga with his beautiful wife, Stacey, and his four children: Megan, Brittany, Drew, and Trey.

For more information on Ken’s illusion ministry go to www.kenhartley.com.

Gayla's main duties as Worship Associate lie in the area of music education. She oversees the Children's worship program, and is developing Abba's Academy of the Arts.

Gayla holds a masters in music from the University of Tennessee and has been trained in Kindermusik and Suzuki methods.

Gayla serves at Abba's House because "I believe it is a calling on my life. I can't imagine being anywhere else!"

Caroline is originally from Florida. She was not raised in church, had no interest in church and did not know God’s love for her until July 10, 2005, when Caroline accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior right here at Abba’s House!! God’s word became alive in her heart and in her life.

She joined the choir (ZADOK Ministries) and began serving alongside her husband as he taught (and continues to teach) a LifeGroup at Abba’s House. She began volunteering in the worship department. Caroline was then called to full time ministry at Abba’s House in October of 2007 to work in her areas of gifting for the Adult Ministries department.

Caroline never lost her passion for the Adult Ministry or her love for people and felt a new calling in the fall of 2008 to serve in the worship department. Caroline felt that God was truly revealing something to her when he showed her the scripture reference for her name (Psalm 13:6). She is now able to use her giftings in a new capacity and continues to worship the Lord in song. Caroline says, “I feel that God has placed me here to rescue others from the same lifestyle I once had and to show them His love. I feel that God has called me to serve at Abba’s House and to show people that no matter where they’ve been, they truly are welcome at Abba’s House.”

Lea Martin is the Pastor of Children at Abba's House. She brings a wealth of experience from her eight years at the Creative Discovery Museum in Chattanooga, one of the top 10 hands on children’s museum in the nation. Lea also served 14 years in the youth and children's ministry at Highland Park Baptist Church, after receiving a bachelor's degree in Religious Education from Tennessee Temple.

Lea says, "I minister at Abba's House because I can not imagine a better place to touch the lives of children and their families. Children are important to our church family and we know God wants to move in their lives right now. We are blessed to have so many people who know the value and importance of children's ministry and are willing to make a difference in the lives of children."

She has been a member of Abba’s House since 1977 and has taught in the preschool ministry for thirty plus years. Before becoming the Director of Preschool Children, she was a preschool assistant for nine years.

As director, Sheila manages the church’s ministry to preschool children and their families.

"I enjoy working with preschoolers and their families because this age is happy and fun. They see each day as an adventure and everything is a new discovery. God reminds us that we need to become like children to enter the kingdom of God. I’m excited to be called to this ministry and to serve these precious ones."

Andi is the Administrative Assistant to Lea Martin. She has worked in childcare for over 20 years and enjoys the fact that every child is different.

Andi says, " I believe God orchestrated everything to have me serve at Abba's House. I count it a privilege to minister with our church families and their children. "

Madaline started in the children's ministry as a worship leader volunteer and has served in many aspects with the children of Abba’s House. She came on staff in April of 1999 and had the opportunity to help redesign our Children’s LifeGroups from traditional Sunday School to a multi-dimensional learning environment using the Rotation Model.

Currently, Madaline directs our Sunday Morning LifeGroups for elementary kids and Children’s Worship for second through fourth grades. She assist our Children’s Pastor in teaching, counseling with families, planning special events, teacher training and children’s camps.

Madaline says, ''I feel very blessed to be part of the ministries of Abba's House. Our passion is to see children and families restored to their true identity in Christ Jesus. I strongly believe that this generation of children will be one of the mightiest this world has seen. It is my goal to teach them what God says about them, how to listen for God voice and stand along side them as they walk into His plans for their lives.’'

Brenda has worked in the Mother's Day Out program for 18 years, and as the director for the last 9 years.

As director of both Abba's House Academy and MDO, Brenda coordinates the teachers, lessons, schedules and financial aspects of the programs.

Brenda feels that God has blessed her with this opportunity to minister to children and parents of Abba's House and the community.

Angie McGregor is the Executive Director of Communications at Abba's House. When she began her ministry here, the Central Message was a local broadcast on an independent television station. She has led the ministry to international outreach in television, radio, publications and the internet. In addition to leading the international outreach of Ron Phillips Ministries, Angie is an accomplished singer and songwriter.

Countless lives have been touched by Angie's concert ministry and through her ministry as a featured soloist on Ron Phillips from Abba's House. Her hunger for true worship is seen in her anointed gift for ushering listeners into the presence of God.

In addition to her behind-the-scenes leadership of the media outreach of Ron Phillips Minstries, in 2001, Angie assumed the role of co-host with Pastor Phillips on the national 15-minute daily radio broadcast, CenterPoint. In March of 2006, Angie also became co-host of the television program, Ron Phillips from Abba's House.

Julie's involvement with the media ministry began over 25 years ago as a volunteer on the TV crew back in her college days. Now as Assistant Media Director, her responsibilities include producing the television and radio broadcasts, marketing, writing, overseeing the web and managing the video systems.

Julie spent five years at the Chattanooga ABC affiliate in traffic and marketing before becoming Director of Marketing/Public Relations at Hutcheson Medical Center, where she served for seven years. After doing freelance video production for several years and working for Ron Phillips Ministries on a contract basis, Julie joined the media staff full time.

Julie says, "God has given me the background and experience to serve here for such a time as this. I'm here because I believe in the mission of Abba's House -- to experience the heart of God in worship, to empower His people and to extend His love to the ends of the earth.

Scott's main duties as Technical Services Director relate to enhancing the teaching and worship opportunities at Abba's House through the use of audio and video technology. He manages all technical systems across the AH campus, including major concert and production events.

Scott came to Abba’s House in 1991 having just completed a degree in communications from Tennessee Temple University. He brought with him a good deal of experience in live sound and lighting. Since joining the media staff, he has added to his abilities video editing, studio recording, intelligent lighting design, and systems design.

Scott firmly believes that the church should lead the way when it comes to doing things with excellence. He is thankful to be a part of a media team and a ministry that feels the same way.

Doug is the graphic designer for Abba's House and class clown. Besides designing this web site, Doug creates logos, brochures, and basically all skillfully designed printed pieces that come out of Abba's House and Ron Phillips Ministries.

In his spare time, Doug, along with his wife, Darin, serves as a LifeGroup leader.

For many years Doug was a character actor in Glory Train Junction and is always glad to perform character roles as needed in skits.

You never know what Doug is going to do next (as evidenced by his bio that says he has a Major in Fine Arts and Minor in being obnoxious), but we do know that whatever he creates will be top notch.

Marty was the video editor for "The Central Message" for 10 years before he pursued some other opportunities. Now he has returned on a part-time basis to assist with editing and maintaining the video equipment. We are happy to have Marty back on the team!

Beverly serves Ron Phillips Ministries by monitoring the Call Center and communicating with those who call, email and write.

Beverly says, "I believe I have been called to this position to serve the Lord by helping Ron Phillips Ministries and Abba's House share with the world the gospel and the revelation messages from the Lord given through Pastor Ron's sermons and books. It's my desire, with God's grace, to support our volunteers and to provide the very best customer service possible.

Ronnie Phillips Jr. currently serves on staff at Abba's House as Pastor of Outreach and Evangelism.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology and is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity from Covington Theological Seminary. Ronnie leads all of Abba's House's evangelism and outreach efforts in the community and abroad. He is responsible for many things at Abba's House, but his passion is evangelism, specifically this generation and the sinner. Ronnie is heavily involved in local sports programs for children and travels as an evangelist for groups such as Student Life and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. God is using Ronnie as a Kingdom Evangelist in churches of all different sizes and denominations. He thanks God for his heritage and for the opportunity to preach the Gospel throughout the country and overseas.

His passion is soul winning, feeding and clothing the homeless, and reaching out to the generation in front of him. Ronnie currently leads a contemporary service (6:33) for adults every Wednesday night at Abba’s House, and preaches when needed for his father, Dr. Ron Phillips.

Chris brings secretarial support to Pastor Ronnie Phillips, Jr. in Evangelism/Outreach. Her desire is to be used of the Lord to help the Pastors with their vision for ministry and reaching out to others.

Whether he’s delivering an unconventional illustration on giving or filling the pulpit for Pastor Ron Phillips, you can always count on nuggets of wisdom from Alan Johnston.

Alan serves as the Pastor of Stewardship here at Abba’s House. His goal is to enable believers to grow in their faith in Jesus Christ while effectively managing their God-given resources.

He is also the President of Berea Bible Institute, a seminary affiliated with Abba’s House. Berea offers training and education to those who simply want to deepen their understanding of the Bible as well as those who have a calling of God on their lives for Christian ministry.

Alan’s educational credentials are many: Samford University and University of Mobile (BA in History & Religion), UT-Chattanooga (MEd. /Master of Education in Counseling), Luther Rice Seminary (MDiv./Master of Divinity), Luther Rice Seminary (DMin./Doctor of Ministry), Trinity Theological Seminary (Candidate for PhD in Apologetics), American College (ChFC), and College for Financial Planning (CFP).

Alan and his wife, Judy, are long-time, faithful members of Abba’s House.

Bill teaches the explosive and colorful LifeGroup, Ergonapalooza, that
participates in community projects all over the Tennessee Valley. For
two years Bill developed a ministry at a local assisted-living center. He is a passionate preacher and writer and has several pastoral responsibilities at Abba's House including being an under-shepherd for Pastor Ken Hartley and Zadok Ministries. Bill was co-creator/writer and
producer for 16 Hours to Christmas (2009), and 16 Hours to Christmas: A
Chimney Sweep's Tale (2010). Bill also helps in the Encouraging Ministry at Abba's House.

Sammy brings 42 years of ministry experience to his job as Pastor of Missions. He has served as Senior Pastor in churches in Georgia, Texas, Missouri and Tennessee, and also spent several years as a foreign missionary in Guatemala.

Sammy and his bride of over 40 years, Gale, have 3 children and 3 grandchildren.