Bishop Joseph D. Phillips was a native of Prichard, AL. He united with Holmes St. Missionary Baptist Church at a young age under the leadership of Rev. Lee. Later under the leadership of Pastor T.J. Hatcher, he was ordained as a deacon. Then in 1974, he acknowledged his calling to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Two years later Pastor Hatcher ordained the then Rev. Phillips while he served as assistant pastor of Nazaree Missionary Baptist Church #2. He later became the Senior Pastor of Nazaree in 1980. Through a mighty move of God, Rev. Phillips moved the church to a more spiritual dimension. The church became Nazaree Full Gospel Church reaching the world through the Gospel.
Bishop Phillips is a graduate of Mattie T. Blount High School. He attended Mobile College for a year and later continued his course of study at the E.L. White seminary College where he obtained a Bachelor of Theology Degree. He furthered his education at the Esonia Seminary Bible College of Birmingham, AL. obtaining a Master of Theology Degree in 1978. Bishop Phillips received special recognition from Selma University where he was presented with an honorary degree.
In 1999, several churches and ministries came together to birth a growing ministry called “The Christian Fellowship of Churches International” where Bishop Phillips is the founder and first presiding Prelate. Under his guidance many churches have been birthed and many pastors, ministers and laymen have been established as leaders in the Christian community. His heart for reaching the lost souls extended beyond our country. Bishop Phillips traveled to Africa, Russia and Honduras to preach this glorious gospel.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Nancy Phillips, sister, Aurellia Craig, brother, Robert Phillips and grandson, Tyrone Burden. He leaves to cherish his memories, a loving and devoted wife of forty-eight years, Linda Cobb Phillips, eight wonderful children, Marcus (Elicia) Phillips, Joshia Millsap, Anna Phillips, Rashida Phillips, Allison (James) Robinson, Dannie (Domarcus) Morrissette, Stacey (Stephen) Mixon, Stephen (LaToya) Phillips, twenty-four, grandchildren, Arnisha, Marcus, Trenton, Brandon, J’Lazah, Marcia, Jamarcus, Brianna, Frederick, LaJuan, Harmony, Nicholas, Joshua, Taylor, Markeith, Leviticus, Paris, Stephen, Pridicus, Brooke, Aamiyah, Kira, Trinity and Aries. Four great grandchildren, Kaleb, Ka’Mori, Peyton and Kaizer. Five siblings, Roberta (Earl) Cox, Cynthia (John) Nettles, Lesia Johnson, Benjamin Phillips, Phyllis (David) Fairley. Five brothers-in-law’s, Theodore (Mary) Fancher, Danny (Christine) Cobb, Melvin (Rhonda) Cobb, Charles (Tracey) Cobb, three sister-in-law’s, Brenda Fancher, Claudia Cobb, Bethsheba Ellis, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and two devoted friends, Rev. Michael Jackson and Apostle Jeffery Thrash.