From Rikers to Righteous: A Conversation with Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell
Sep 23, 2024
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Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell, lead pastor of 2819 Church in Atlanta, shares his transformative journey from a troubled youth in Queens to finding spirituality. He candidly discusses how prison changed his life, offering a powerful perspective on personal redemption. The conversation dives into the struggles between street culture and faith, the weight of preaching, and the profound inner freedom discovered behind bars. With humor and honesty, Philip reflects on the role of genuine connections and divine love in shaping his faith.
Philip Anthony Mitchell reflects on the conflict between his Christian upbringing and the allure of street life in Queens, NY.
He emphasizes that calling is about a relationship with God, rather than merely a designation for roles or missions.
Philip shares a poignant story highlighting the struggle of accepting forgiveness and the universal experience of understanding God's grace.
Deep dives
Philip Anthony Mitchell's Unique Background
Philip Anthony Mitchell shares his upbringing in a Christian home situated in Queens, New York, reflecting on the dichotomy between his familial faith and the strong pull of street life. His mother, a believer, led the family in ministry, while his father, initially non-religious, came to faith later on. Despite this foundation, Philip found greater connection and belonging in the streets, leading him into a life of crime, including selling drugs from a very young age. This internal struggle between his family's Christian values and the allure of street culture significantly shaped his early life, highlighting the complexities of adolescence in an urban environment.
The Impact of Spiritual Upbringing
Growing up, Philip felt disconnected from the church, often feeling like an outsider as he watched his parents engage in ministry without understanding its significance. He recalls sitting in the back of their services, overwhelmed and confused about the Christian concepts being discussed. Although he was repeatedly exposed to prayers and scriptures, the influence of his peers and the surrounding environment started to overshadow his parents’ teachings, pushing him further away from faith. This gap in understanding illustrates the challenges many children face when their upbringing does not align with the influences outside their homes.
God's Pursuit of Philip
In the months leading up to his conversion, Philip experienced a series of divine interventions, sensing that God was relentlessly pursuing his heart. He recalls significant moments, including encounters with strangers on campus who spoke prophetic words, including an instance where a mysterious man told him God was calling him. These experiences instilled in him a deep sense of curiosity and conflict, leading him towards a significant moment in a bathroom where he cried out to God for clarity. It was this culmination of encounters that eventually led him to a transformative experience of faith, promising that God and salvation awaited him.
The Nature of Calling and Discipleship
Philip discusses the concept of calling, emphasizing that it primarily refers to God's invitation to a relationship rather than a designation for specific roles or missions. He argues that many Christians misunderstand calling as merely a platform or assignment, overlooking the fact that the true essence of calling is God's wooing of individuals into a deeper connection with Him. This biblical perspective offers a comfort that transcends performance-based Christianity, allowing believers to understand their worth solely in the light of God's grace. Philip insists that genuine discipleship must begin at home, highlighting the importance of instilling this understanding of God in children as they grow.
Emotional Reflection on Grace and Forgiveness
The conversation culminates in a poignant reflection on the nature of God's love and grace, drawing parallels between parental love and divine forgiveness. Philip shares a powerful personal story involving his son Malachi, who grappled with feelings of shame after making a mistake, illustrating how often people struggle to accept forgiveness and move on. This leads to a realization that God's heart aches when His children cannot embrace the unconditional love He offers. As Philip expresses this, he emphasizes that the struggle to comprehend God's grace is a universal experience, urging listeners to recognize their worth through acceptance of God's freely given love.
Philip Anthony Mitchell feels that he was radically brought into the Kingdom. Born in Queens, NY to Trinidadian parents, Philip found a sense of community and belonging in the streets, despite his mother and father starting a Christian ministry in the basement of their home.
Now the lead pastor of 2819 Church in Atlanta, Philip sits down with the Perrys for a conversation on the urban context and darkness of his childhood, how he was changed by prison, the idea of "calling," and the deep reverence and affection he now has for the Lord. He feels like he’s gotten a second chance at life, on the backside of a lot of pain and discipline, and he shares more of his story in this episode.
