Words by Skylar Lara | Images by Ryan McGill
The story of Phillip Walker began in a quiet corner of Dora, Alabama, embraced by ageless groves of swaying pine and oak trees. The gentle rustle of leaves, chirping multi-flavored symphony of birds, and the transfixing view of the rolling Alabama fields were a constant tapestry of Walker’s modest upbringing. It was here, entwined within nature’s lullaby, where he grew up – eventually answering higher callings, nurturing souls, and painting hope across countless faces.
The vigorous sun shined down on the town of Dora, set within the heart of coal country. Everyday life fluttered about for two young brothers, Phillip Walker and his younger brother Ben, reverbing a playful murmur along the quaint asphalt streets into the Walker home. Born to military parents, both graduates of Dora High School, they saw early on that Phillip showed an innate gift for communicating God’s word and nurtured it. While his mom worked at Tyson Foods and his dad was a policeman, they ensured their boys were in church.
Phillip was a child who found tranquility amid the sacred corners of St. John Baptist Church and Sumiton Church of God, often losing himself amidst the yellowing pages of the Good Book. Upon graduating from Dora High School, Walker had two passions – being in church and playing baseball. He enrolled at Bevill State but received a tryout for the Miles College baseball team, which he played for one year. In the meantime, he took up the guidance of the town’s spiritual guide, Sarah Glover. Eventually, he was inspired to preach his first sermon, which confirmed his calling. From then on, he diligently pursued his vocation, fully understanding his duty to follow it. As time passed, Walker’s heart swelled with a burning desire to become a preacher. He could almost taste the sweet nectar of spiritual fulfillment. With unwavering determination, he enrolled in The Mission Discipleship School in Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada, where he spent nine months immersed in the rich tapestry of biblical knowledge. He drank deeply from the well of wisdom, attending Bible study classes and visiting various churches. After completing the course, he returned home and finished his degree in computer information systems at Miles College. Although his studies were rigorous, his passion for preaching remained strong. And then, one day, fate intervened. A state youth director in California contacted Philip about a job opportunity at a church he had previously attended during a choir tour. It was as if the heavens had opened up and bestowed a gift from above upon him.
Coincidentally, Walker was heading to California at the same time as his girlfriend, who was going on a work trip. The stars had aligned, and she accompanied him to meet the people at the new church. As they strolled along Huntingdon Beach, the waves crashing against the shore, he knew that this was the moment he had been waiting for. With a deep breath, he got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend, surrounded by the salty ocean breeze and the orange glow of the setting sun.
As Phillip began preparing for his big move across the country, he couldn’t help but feel a rush of emotions. His heart was bursting with excitement and anticipation as he envisioned the new adventures that awaited him in his new job. Exploring new territories and meeting new people filled him with joy and curiosity. As he looked forward to his upcoming wedding, he couldn’t help but picture the scene in his mind. He saw himself standing at the altar, looking into the eyes of his beloved, surrounded by family and friends. The thought of starting a new life with his partner filled him with metaphorical butterflies. He knew he was on the cusp of a new chapter in his life, one filled with hope and love. The possibilities seemed endless, and he felt like the world was his oyster. Walker was ready to embark on this new journey and make it the best one yet.
Roughly two years later, the sun slowly set on the horizon, casting warmth on the picturesque town of Sevierville, Tennessee. With his wife Nichole by his side, Phillip walked towards The Smoky Mountain Children’s Home, where he had recently been hired as a house parent. As they entered, laughter and chatter from the at-risk youth aged 12 and 19 filled the air. Philip and Nichole immersed themselves in their work, caring for the children, guiding them, and nurturing them. As days turned to weeks and weeks to months, Philip and his wife became a constant presence in the children’s lives, and the children started to trust them. They helped them with their homework, played games with them, and provided them a home away from home. One day, while taking the kids to New Hope Church, they heard that the church was searching for a youth pastor. Phillip saw this as an opportunity of a lifetime, and he jumped at it. He knew he couldn’t afford to miss out. Phillip’s journey from a house parent to a youth pastor was remarkable. His heart was full of love and compassion for the children he worked with, and his dedication to their well-being was unparalleled. However, the roads of Phillip’s journey circled back to the small town of Dora, where the Walker family found themselves once again. Sevierville was now a distant memory, replaced by the familiar sights and sounds of home. As the Walkers returned home to regroup and figure out their next move, Phillip, with a determined stride, secured a job with the Birmingham Barons and spent his days patrolling the campus of The University of Alabama. Meanwhile, he waited patiently, hoping for a glimmer of hope amid uncertainty. And then, like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds, a cherished opportunity at Sumiton Church of God presented itself, filling his heart with joy and gratitude.
“For me, the opportunity to go back and serve where so many people had invested in me was special,” said Walker. “When I went to school in Canada, most of that funding came from the people at Sumiton Church of God. I feel like Sumiton really invested in my discipleship and in my schooling, so to come back and now minister to the grandchildren of those who were there for me is amazing.”
As Walker returned to Sumiton, he felt a sense of nostalgia wash over him. The familiar surroundings brought back memories of his time under the guidance of Sarah Glover, his mentor. He reminisced and thought back to those times when she stood before him, her eyes sparkling with warmth and kindness as she imparted her knowledge and wisdom. She had groomed him for this role, showing him how to connect with his audience and encouraging him to find his unique voice. And now, as he stood on the same pulpit where Sarah had once before, he felt a sense of awe and reverence. The memories flooded back as he spoke, his voice filling the air with the same passion and conviction that Sarah had once instilled in him. And as he looked out at the congregation, he saw Sarah there with him, watching him with pride and joy. The moment Nichole stepped foot in Sumiton, she also felt an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. The church’s familiar scent – a blend of polished wood and freshly laundered linens – brought back a flood of happy and poignant memories. As she gazed around the church, her eyes fixed on the stained-glass windows in the fellowship hall, casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the pews below. She noticed how the sunlight filtered through the panes, illuminating the dust particles that danced in the air, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. For her, returning to Sumiton was like coming home after a long journey – a feeling of warmth and comfort that she had missed dearly. As her husband Phillip navigated the transition from St. John Baptist Church to Sumiton Church of God in high school, Sumiton Church of God had always been home for Nichole. She knew that this was where they were meant to be.
Phillip and Nichole are brimming with anticipation as they gear up for another year at Sumiton. They have quite a few exciting plans in store for 2024. In January, Phillip will take center stage at Christway Church in Mississippi, where he will captivate the youth with his inspirational speech at the FOCUS event. In June, he will visit South Georgia for a guest appearance at a youth camp. As Phillip looks beyond these events, he envisions expanding his ministry and touching the lives of countless individuals worldwide. One of his goals is to write books and devotionals that will resonate with men and empower them to become better versions of themselves. With his unwavering commitment and passion for his work, Phillip is sure to continue making a profound impact on the lives of many. WL
