Phil Waldrep Explained
Phil Waldrep is Southern Baptist preacher, evangelist, and author based in Decatur, Alabama. He is the Founder and President of Phil Waldrep Ministries, an evangelical nonprofit that organizes Christian conferences.[1]
Waldrep was born in Morgan County, Alabama, near Decatur, Alabama. His father, Linnes Waldrep, was a factory worker, but he is the grandson and great-grandson of Baptist preachers. He began preaching at the age of 14.[2] Waldrep is a graduate of Calhoun Community College, of the University of Alabama, and of Luther Rice College and Seminary.[3] [4] He and his wife, Debbie, have two children.[5]
Waldrep founded Phil Waldrep Ministries, which organizes Christian conferences.[6] On October 5, 2009, Waldrep launched a 25-minute radio program, Living with Joy! Radio, broadcast on 500 stations of CSN International in heard in 46 states.[7] [8]
Waldrep's 2002 book, Parenting Prodigals, offers guidance to parents whose children have rejected faith, with special attention to Christian parents whose children have not only left the faith, but who have also fallen prey to alcohol abuse, drug abuse and criminal activities. His advice to parents includes encouragement to "pray specifically," "love your child unconditionally," and "allow sin to run its course."[9]
Books
- Reaching Your Prodigal: What Did I Do Wrong? What Do I Do Now? Worthy Publishing, 2016.
- The Grandparent Factor: Five Ways to make a Difference in the Life of Your Grandchild, Baxter Press, 2003. [4] [10]
- Parenting Prodigals: Six Principles to Get Your Son or Daughter Back to God, Baxter Press, 2001. [9] [11]
Notes and References
- News: Bates. Martine. Waldrep fulfills great-grandfather's prophecy, lives legacy through preaching ministry. 14 February 2016. The Alabama Baptist. 19 August 2004.
- News: Campbell. Kay. Phil Waldrep Ministries inspires with Gridiron Men's Conference, creative faithfulness to heritage. 13 February 2016. The Birmingham News. 10 June 2013.
- News: Godbey. Catherine. Stand up and Be Heard. McClatchy - Tribune Business News. Decatur Daily. 7 June 2013. .
- News: Gordon. Jean. Waldrep writes book about grandparents. The News-Star. 24 September 2003. .
- News: Garrison. Greg. Drew Brees, Dr. Ben Carson headline Gridiron Men's Conference. 13 February 2016. The Birmingham News. 10 June 2015.
- News: Martin. Allie. Northeast Mississippi Men Attend Annual 'Gridiron' Conference. WCBI. June 22, 2015.
- News: Smith. Melanie. National audience for Decatur ministry. 14 February 2016. Decatur Daily. 6 November 2009.
- News: Smith. Melanie. National audience for Decatur ministry: Hosting President Bush, launching radio programs, Phil Waldrep expands reach. McClatchy. 6 November 2009. .
- News: Parenting Prodigals (book review). South Florida Sun - Sentinel. 16 February 2002. .
- News: Zeller. Penny. For Some of Life's Hurdles, a Grandparent's Help is Best. 15 February 2016. Brownsville Herald. 23 November 2006.
- News: Bates. Judy Woodward. Prayer, support important when dealing with prodigal adult children. 14 February 2016. Alabama Baptist. 16 June 2011.
