PROFILE: Phillip Parrish


PROFILE IN LEADERSHIP
Phillip Parrish
Senior Pastor, Yahweh Christian Church
Success Coach for Texarkana College
Graduate of LT Class of 2015

Q and A with PHILLIP

What does leadership mean to you? 
Leadership to me can be summed up into one word “humility”. C.S. Lewis says “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” and I agree! Having a title, influence, position, or power means nothing unless we attach it to serving and assisting others to live their highest and best self. 

What have you learned most about making a difference in Texarkana (or about your opportunity for community leadership) from being a part of Leadership Texarkana? 
Leadership Texarkana has taught me to follow and listen more so that I can truly articulate the needs of those that I am called to serve. As leaders too often we “assume” needs rather than access them and truly work to find the best solution possible. Not only to follow and listen more but to act on smart decisions that will include the unpolished and undeveloped conversation pieces of our city, so that we can effectively negotiate what’s best for all who love and are a part of our great city. 

What’s your passion of involvement in our community–where you hope to make a difference? 
There is so much work to be done and very few leaders to do it. Leadership Texarkana has been and continues to be a transformative approach in closing the gap of local participation among great leaders.  My passion is to inspire others to action in whatever way possible so that they can make a significant contribution in the betterment of our community. I hope to make a difference and engage the underdeveloped and economically distressed areas of Texarkana’s youth and young adults through education, social and economic empowerment, community service, and faith-based initiatives.

If you had one wish and could make a huge difference in Texarkana (your small corner) what would you do with that one wish and why? 
If I had one wish and could make a difference it would be to close the reading achievement gaps of today’s youth, especially African-American males and to lead our city in becoming known as a city that seeks humility and guidance in its actions which can only come from an awareness of prayer.  

What do many people not know about you that you would to share with us? 
During college I almost changed my major from religion to graphics design. If this ministry thing don’t work out, being a graphics designer is definitely the goal.

What are some of your passions and hobbies?  What do you most love to do in Texarkana? 
Some of my passions and hobbies are: Singing, I would like to record a second gospel music project. My wife and I recently went to Cozumel, so traveling more is definitely on the agenda. Serving, we provide food during the holiday season to those in need and blankets to the retired communities of Texarkana and Longview. Fishing, all day long.. “even if I’m not catching anything”, it’s really relaxing. I also enjoy our cities local restaurants and parks.  

Phillip Parrish serves as Senior Pastor of Yahweh Christian Church. A native of Plain Dealing, Louisiana, he is the first of his family to attend college. Phillip holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Psychology from Jarvis Christian College and graduate studies from Phillips Theological Seminary. He launched his ministry career in Tulsa, Oklahoma serving as a full-time Youth Pastor; additionally he received the honor of being named Tulsa’s Community Leader and Youth Advocate. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and currently works as a Success Coach for Texarkana College. Phillip is married to Makesha and they work together in ministry, providing yearly assistance to the elderly, working with at-risk youth, and transitional planning services for adults.

 
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