On behalf of the Executive Committee, and with the support of the Board of Directors, it is with great excitement and much hope that we announce our selection of the Reverend Phil Hodson as our new Intentional Interim Conference Minister.  For more than a year, the Executive Committee has been engaged in a prayerful, grace-filled process to learn more about the needs of our beloved Conference.  We have had many, many conversations with individuals and groups.  We have consulted with leadership from the National Church.   

Throughout the late fall and winter months, we reviewed several profiles of individuals seeking work with our conference, conducted Zoom interviews, and finally held a face-to-face session with our candidate.  Guided by spirit and common sense, the Executive Committee has made a unanimous decision to invite Phil to be our leader, and we are happy to announce that he has accepted our offer.  He will begin as our Intentional Interim Conference Minister on June 1, 2026.

The Executive Committee decided to hire Phil for his strong background in church and conference finance, fundraising, and renewal.  In our contacts with him, we found that he has a gifted ability to build relationships and invite conversation.  He is a catalyst for visioning.  He is energetic and optimistic about the future of the United Church of Christ.  We are honored by his decision to join us during our season of growth and discernment.  

Phil is husband to Joelle and father to four incredible, energetic boys. He graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Sales Management and from Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology with a Master of Divinity.

Phil has worked in church planting and revitalization throughout his ministry, working with congregations in financial oversight, administrative reorganization, building campaigns, and community engagement.  Most recently, he has served as Conference Minister in both the South Central and Pacific Northwest Conferences of the United Church of Christ.

Phil is passionate about church growth, made possible by sharing our values in the public square. He is convinced that the gospel is truly good news for all people and that the United Church of Christ is uniquely suited to offer extravagant welcome and creative engagement in the repair of the world in each new generation. Working together with the movement of the Spirit, we can be part of the promise of a “future filled with hope.”