Pastor Ray Phillips has a deep love for God, family, and people. Saved as a teenager, he first came to Stratford Heights—then Harlan Park Church of God—in 1981 and found a church family that would become home. He joined the pastoral staff in 1989 and, after serving in youth ministry, Christian education, and as Assistant Pastor, became Lead Pastor in 2007.
Pastor Ray’s heart is to fulfill God’s assignment on his life as a shepherd, preacher, and teacher of the Gospel—leading people to embrace God, connect with one another, passionately pursue growth, and serve the world. His desire is that everyone who walks through the doors of Stratford Heights encounters the presence of God and discovers more than a church to attend—a family where they can truly belong.
Growing up with five sisters gave Pastor Ray a lifelong love for family. Today, that family has grown to more than 30, and his passion for family is reflected in the heart and culture of Stratford Heights.
Beyond the local church, Pastor Ray serves as a Regional Elder and District Overseer and on the Church of God International Chaplaincy Board. His ministry has also taken him all over the USA. to Europe, South America, Alaska, and Australia.
After 45 years at Stratford Heights and 37 years on its pastoral staff, Pastor Ray remains passionate about the future—believing that God is still writing the story and that the best is yet to come.
Pastor Ray’s heart is to fulfill God’s assignment on his life as a shepherd, preacher, and teacher of the Gospel—leading people to embrace God, connect with one another, passionately pursue growth, and serve the world. His desire is that everyone who walks through the doors of Stratford Heights encounters the presence of God and discovers more than a church to attend—a family where they can truly belong.
Growing up with five sisters gave Pastor Ray a lifelong love for family. Today, that family has grown to more than 30, and his passion for family is reflected in the heart and culture of Stratford Heights.
Beyond the local church, Pastor Ray serves as a Regional Elder and District Overseer and on the Church of God International Chaplaincy Board. His ministry has also taken him all over the USA. to Europe, South America, Alaska, and Australia.
After 45 years at Stratford Heights and 37 years on its pastoral staff, Pastor Ray remains passionate about the future—believing that God is still writing the story and that the best is yet to come.