The Reverend Tim Phillips was ordained in 1981 and served churches in Michigan and Illinois before being called to Chicago Theological Seminary as Director of Admissions in 1994. During his service there, Tim became convinced that empowering people's gifts is central to the work of a spiritual community. In 1996, Tim was called by University Baptist Church to Seattle where he served until Seattle First Baptist Church called him as lead pastor in February 2009. Tim has studied at Grand Rapids Baptist College (B.A.), the University of Chicago Divinity School, Chicago Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and the Pastoral Leadership Program at Seattle University's School of Theology and Ministry. Tim is currently working on his Doctor of Ministry at American Baptist Seminary of the West.