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After serving at Petsworth from 2002 to 2003 as an associate pastor, Pastor John returned to Petsworth in 2016 as senior pastor. From 2003 to 2015 he served as the lead pastor for Poquoson Baptist Church.
John and his high school sweetheart, Tracy, have 3 children – John Montgomery, Molly Grace, and Lily Young that are separated by 22 years (because God’s timing is not our timing!) Outside of his salvation in Christ – John views his greatest gift as his family and treasures the time he is with them. He is thankful for the heritage and legacy of faith given to him by his own parents.
John is an avid cross-country and track and field fan having competed on the prep and collegiate levels. In 2009 he was inducted into the Gloucester High School Sports Hall of Fame and has coached at times even while engaged in ministry.
Loving the local church – seeing individuals embrace the truth of Scripture in obedience – and sharing the good news through preaching, teaching and personal witness are John’s ministry passions.
John is a graduate of Gloucester High School (Go Dukes!), the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!), and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (no mascot).
Over the past 15 years, Pastor Phil has faithfully served as a missionary and church planter in both Israel and Bulgaria. In 2025, he joined the team at Petsworth Baptist Church as Pastor of Student Ministries. His ministry journey has included preaching, teaching, discipleship, and outreach—impacting both youth and adults in local and international settings.
Phil and his wife, Angela, were married in 2003 and have two children, Daniel and Hannah, who have actively served alongside them in ministry over the years. Phil considers his family one of his greatest blessings and treasures time spent making memories together, especially through travel and outdoor adventures. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and reading. Angela is a talented vocalist and music educator who has led worship and mentored others in three countries. She currently teaches music at Denbigh Baptist Christian School.
Phil holds degrees from Christopher Newport University, George Mason University, and the University of the Holy Land in Jerusalem. He was ordained to gospel ministry in 2012.
Phil is deeply committed to equipping the next generation to follow Christ with boldness and joy. He is passionate about discipleship, gospel-centered teaching, and helping students discover their place in God’s global mission.
We welcome you to reach out and connect with us. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, prayer requests, or if you would like to know more about our community.
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