Profile of Phil Willis, Deacon at Triad Baptist Church

Meet the Deacons Profile Series: Phil Willis, Finance Chair

Phil Willis

Editor's Note: This is the second of a regular series of profiles about the deacons who oversee Triad's ministries and operations.

Connections: How did you become a Triad member and deacon?

Willis: We moved to Kernersville in 1993. We visited almost every Baptist Church listed in the phone book and that we had heard about from others, both in Kernersville and Winston Salem. Finally, early one Sunday morning, we pulled into the Triad Baptist parking lot. As we searched for a place to park — we decided this just wasn't the place for us — without ever getting out of the car — so we went back up the drive to find another place to visit. This continued for months. Once again in late 1994 we pulled into the Triad parking lot one Sunday morning. This time we found a parking place and went inside. From that first visit we knew: THIS WAS IT! We were visited the next Tuesday night by Clarence and Marge Morrison and Kim Brown. They answered our questions about specifically where the church stood on issues that were important to us. We knew then that the people at Triad would become our family. Our hearts were broken to leave this family in 2003 when we moved to Charlotte. Wells Fargo was opening a new operation and I was offered a position to work there from the beginning stages. The search process began again — much like the first time. We kept looking for another "Pastor Rob" and "Mr. Tim" but just couldn't find it, even in a city as large as Charlotte! In 2007 Wells Fargo decided to close this same operation leaving hundreds unemployed. My job search began. Interestingly enough, I had three job offers the same week. Two were in Charlotte and the other in Winston Salem. It was time to return home! This time, the church search was easy. The same week we moved we joined Triad again. As for how I became a deacon, I was asked by Pastor Rob if I would consider being a deacon about a year after we joined the church, and I said 'yes.'

Connections: What are your responsibilities as a deacon and member of the church's Executive Leadership Team?

Willis: I am the Finance Chair on the ELT. I am responsible for the oversight of all aspects of church finances. This includes a whole realm of different duties from presenting the church budget to making sure there is a finance committee member and two counters each Sunday and Wednesday to count the tithes and offerings. The finance team (which include six members) and I work with the committee chairs and are responsible for approving all expenditures over specific designated limits. The finance team members and the counters each week dedicate many hours each month to all of these processes. Our goal is to be good stewards of God's money and to make sure that every aspect of the finances are dealt with honestly and openly.

Connections: What have you learned about Triad through your experience as a deacon that you didn't know before?

Willis: When I began going through the budget and looking at the number of ministries the members of Triad are involved in, I realized what an enormous amount of people are working here and giving voluntarily of their time — hours upon hours each week! This impressed me more than anything. From MOPS to Youth group, from Upward to AWANA, from nursery workers to ushers, people are willing to work for the cause of Christ and to give of their time and talents to serve our Lord. Someone once said "what makes Triad special is the people here really care." I couldn't agree more.

Connections: How do you see your service as a deacon helping Triad fulfill its mission of pointing lives toward Christ?

Willis: The purpose of a deacon is to serve and support the church and its pastors, wherever and however necessary. Each person is given special and specific gifts and talents by God that we are charged to use in His service. Each of these gifts and talents are different and unique in every person. In my case, this would be in the finance area. Having grown up in a pastor's home, I've got a special heart for pastors and their struggles to find people who are willing to serve. My goal and my desire is to serve the Lord through being a deacon/servant to my pastor and my church. How can I serve the Lord if I don't serve His church?

Connections: What do you consider some of Triad's biggest challenges and opportunities in the years ahead?

Willis: GROWTH! The biggest challenge facing Triad is to figure out how to accommodate the growth that we are experiencing in every area. In addition, as our church grows and expands, we must continue to keep the family atmosphere in which we know each other and not become a church of strangers.

Connections: Tell us a little about your family and some of the other ministries you and your family have been involved in at Triad.

Willis: My wife, Christine, currently sings in the choir. She's also involved in our Sunday School class and works in the nursery each month. In the past, she's been a Sunday School teacher, member of the finance committee and served as a counter. Our two children, Blake, 9, and Kaylee, 5, are involved in the children's ministries at Triad. They love Mr. Tim but who doesn't?

Connections: How did you become a Christian?

Willis: My father was a Southern Baptist Preacher, so I grew up in a Christian home. Back then, the community would have tent revivals where they preached "Hell hot and you never know when it's your time so you better make sure!" From the age of 6, I walked the "sawdust trail" on numerous occasions because I wanted to be sure. I jokingly say sometimes I expect my name's written in the Book of Life at least 10 times but I know without a doubt I'm saved, which is a great source of peace and encouragement in my life.

Connections: Looking back over your life, who has had the biggest influence on your faith and why?

Willis: Three people.

My Dad. I could go on and on about this man. Dad's heart has always been with the people of small country churches. It was with these people that he showed me how to love others, that character matters, a soul has no color, and people (rich or poor) have value and need the Lord. He never spoke a bad word about anyone and would be there, by your side, day or night if you needed him. If nothing else, I hope to be half the man he is.

My Mom. This lady's heart is with her family and her husband. Show me a great preacher and I will show you an even greater preacher's wife. Mom is the total package. Need a good meal, you got it. Need a hug, no problem. Need a shoulder to cry on, anytime any where. Want to skip church to watch the season finale of the "Six Million Dollar Man," not in this life, buddy!

My Wife. Mom taught me to pray for my future wife when I was 11. I thought she was nuts. Once again, mom was right. The Lord blessed me with what I call a "Custom-Built Wife." I have never met someone with a more pure heart (her mother is the same way). There is simply not a mean, unloving bone in her body. You just don't meet many people like that anymore. She loves the Lord and is amazing with the kids. I can never thank the Lord enough for someone like her. After 17 years, she still takes my breath away.

Connections: How do you live out your faith at work?

Willis: I am fortunate to work in an environment at BB&T with a lot of Christians. The industry in which I work — banking — is going through a lot of tough times right now. I feel that my role is to be an encourager — an "up-lifter" — and I want others to see Christ through me. "If you are a Christian — there is ALWAYS a reason to smile!" People need to see the happiness, blessings and the peace that being a Christian brings. It's not about me but about what Christ has done for me!

Connections: A perfect day for me is ...

Willis: I wake up early on Sunday morning beside my wife of 17 years, brush the hair out of my eyes, and go quietly downstairs to make the perfect cup of coffee. I sip it while watching the sun rise. I go back upstairs to wake the children, only to find them already dressed and ready to go. They have even cleaned their rooms! We arrive at church 30 minutes early, park around back, and walk towards our new three-story education building. I notice a note on the door stating that the Academy is full and to call the office to be placed on the waiting list. As we are seated in the sanctuary prepared for the message, I am surprised to discover that Pastor Rob has decided to wear his new sombrero full-time.