Tag Archives: Iyanla Vanzant

Rev. V. Phillip Mathews, Pastor, Imani MCC of Durham

Imani MCC made history on Sunday, July 24th when it extended a call to the Rev. Venson Phillip Mathews to become the second Pastor of Imani MCC. Many of Imani’s members were present and voted unanimously to call Rev. Phil.

Rev. Phil is no stranger to Imani. He was asked to move from Washington, DC, to serve as the congregation’s Interim Pastor in June of 2008 after Imani’s founding Pastor, the Rev. Wanda Y. Floyd resigned to devote more time to her studies in the Divinity School at Shaw University in Raleigh. He had served the MCC–DC congregation for 11 years including as Associate Pastor there.

Highly regarded among MCC Churches for his ability to guide people in their spiritual journeys, Rev. Phil has served as spiritual leader for several mission trips to the Dominican Republic – including the trip this past June. He also serves as one of the spiritual leaders for the Infinity Diamond Club of Durham – taking a lead during past “We Are 1” conferences. He is also a certified Spiritual Life Coach after three years of studying with Iyanla Vanzant at Inner Visions Institute for Spiritual Development. His gift is to use his gentle spirit to explain deep, life-changing, life-giving concepts, allowing a space for healing on all levels. Rev. Phil is an avid listener.

Andrew and Rev. Phil

Along with leading and preaching during regular Sunday worship services, he teaches Imani’s Wednesday Night Bible Study, facilitates the Thursday Night Healing Circle, and leads Saturday Morning Prayer Meeting at the developing New Ministry Center on C-View Street.

He is deeply committed to engaging in social justice issues and inspires others to do the same by leading the way. Durham Congregations in Action can always count on Rev. Phil to support its many initiatives. He participates in an AIDS Care Team, contributes to the work of CAARE, Inc. (an HIV/AIDS agency), and has walked during the AIDS Walk+Ride. Rev. Phil has assisted in the worship services that are a part of the NC Pride Festival for the last three years.

You may have also seen Rev. Phil in the Durham production of “Jade City Chronicles, Vol. 1” last May at Manbites Dog Theater in Durham and in “Tool Box Monologues” earlier in the year. He is a gifted actor.

We wholeheartedly embrace Rev. Phil and feel thankful for the many ministry gifts he brings to us. Please continue to pray for Rev. Phil and for Imani MCC. His formal installation as Pastor will be scheduled for later in 2011.