Philip is the son of Philip and Mary Morris of Salisbury, Maryland. Philip’s parents have extensive ministry background as teachers, pastors, administrators, and missionary educators, so Philip is both a “preacher’s kid” and a “missionary kid.” He honors his parents and appreciates the wonderful Christian heritage he has received from his parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.
Born in Cleveland, Tennessee, Philip C. Morris, Jr. is also a graduate of Pentecostal Theological Seminary located in Cleveland, Tennessee. He was a staff minister at Westmore Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee (1989-1996) and the founding pastor of Crossroads Church of God in Fruitland, Maryland (1996-2002) before coming to Parkway. He also currently serves as the Tennessee State Representative for Church of God Ministry to Israel and is a member of the Tennessee Church of God World Missions Board.
Credentialed as an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God (Cleveland, TN), Philip is also a member of Sevier County Right to Life and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Philip also serves on AIPAC's National Council. What's on Philip's "short list"? -- 1) Happy to be a son of his Father 2) Happy to be a husband to Denise 3) Happy to be a father to John and Hope 4) Happy to be a son of his parents 5) Happy to be a brother to his brother, Ralph 6) Happy to be a grandson of his Grandma Smith 7) HAPPY TO BE PASTOR OF THE PARKWAY CHURCH OF GOD CONGREGATION! (You get the picture!)
Denise leads the area of ministry at Parkway known as “Worship & the Arts,” which includes leading and organizing our praise and worship leaders and teams, special music, the adult choir, the youth ensemble, the youth drama team, our children’s choir, and our children’s drama team. She has a lot of help from a lot of anointed and talented people in each area of ministry. Denise draws on many years of church music ministry experience and an extensive background as a music and drama teacher in multiple schools. She is also the co-leader of our Children’s Ministry, which includes all of our children’s education on Sundays and on Wednesdays.
Today, Ray and Meg are still heavily involved in the ministries of the church. In 2008, Ray became our Associate Pastor and oversees our congregational ministries. Meg works for The University of Tennessee as a nutritionist. Their daughter Elisabeth received her Masters Degree from The University of Tennessee and works as a Case Manager for The Smoky Mountain Children’s Home Foster Care Division. She is married to Jon Pemberton and they reside in Maryville, Tennessee. Their youngest daughter Rachel recently graduated from The University of Tennessee with a Bachelors Degree in Forestry.
Ray ministers wherever he is needed. You can see Ray doing magic tricks with the children, fixing a weed eater, driving our widows to church, visiting at the hospital or picking up snacks for the nursery at Wal-Mart. In his spare time, Ray loves to bowl and take naps. Ray is truly an asset to the Parkway Church of God congregation.
Although JP is part-time at the church, he can be found throughout the week with the kids at ballgames, band concerts, or just hanging out. JP and his wife, Tyanne met while they were both working at The Smoky Mountain Children’s Home where they lived and worked as house parents for almost 10 years. JP, an accomplished vocalist, was a member of the trio, First Love and currently travels as a soloist. He also hosts a television program, “Southern Style Praise” that airs locally on The Christian Television Network. For more information on JP’s career visit his website at www.jpmiller.cc
JP and Tyanne have one daughter Macee and one son, Micah. They reside in Sevierville, TN where JP loves going to yard sales, going out to eat with their friends, and taking naps!
