Sunnyside Skate Church, Chicago 1991

Sunnyside Skate Church, Chicago 1991

Sunnyside Skate Church, Chicago 1991

I wish I had a copy of this original picture, all I have is a poor photocopy that was recently found folded up in a box of miscellaneous items. On the first row you can find a picture of Phillip Telfer at the age of 18. My wife Mary is also in this picture (this was taken before we were married). I had moved to Chicago from my home state of Oregon to work with an inner-city church. I helped the youth pastor, Dirk Currier, launch an outreach to skateboarders. We built a small skate park in the basement of the church.  At the time, it was the only public skate park in the city of Chicago so we didn’t have to beg any skaters to come to church. We passed out a few flyers at some local skate shops and within months we were hosting over a hundred skateboarders packed into our little basement skate church. We called it Sunnyside Skate Church because the cross streets of the church, Sunnyside and Paulina. The skaters were required to attend a short church service where we presented the gospel each week.

My background with riding freestyle bmx and skateboarding gave me a opportunity to connect with so many young people in Chicago that I would have otherwise not crossed paths with. I still ride freestyle on occasion, the most recent at our church 4th of July picnic. I don’t have the stamina I had over 30 years ago when I started riding but I’m glad a can still “bust a move” or two. The picture below is me riding circa 1990 in Corvallis, OR.

Sunnyside Skate Church would not be the last skate ministry I became involved in. I moved out of Chicago to the small town of Mt. Carroll, IL in 1998 and served as a youth pastor for several years at a local church. I built a skatepark in the church parking lot. I remember a church board member asking me how many skaters I thought there were in a small town of only 1700 people. My reply, “I don’t know but I guarantee that everyone of them will be coming to our church.” I was right. I wouldn’t trade those amazing years for anything. One of those young punk skaters was a Jr. High student, Rhett Simkins. Rhett is a pastor now in Mt. Carroll and is my office director for the ministry Media Talk 101. Our youth group didn’t just attract skateboarders because the skateboarders attracted spectators and we experienced an unusual momentum that resulted in a youth group of up to 80 students attending our Wednesday evening youth service. When I began to keep track of attendance I was shocked to discover that we actually had around 120 students in our youth ministry over the course of a month of meetings, they just didn’t show up all at once. Whatever your unique interests and talents are, they can be used for Christ and His kingdom. 

Who is Phillip Telfer? What is the core of my identity? I’m a child of God and a disciple of Jesus Christ. What you do is not as important as who you are. But in case you’re wondering about what I do, here you go…

Husband & Father: Mary and I have been married for 32 years and blessed with 4 children, one fantastic son-in-law, and three precious grandchildren.

Minister: I serve as a pastor by day (and night) and I’m the founder and director of the nonprofit ministry Media Talk 101

Coffee Nut: When I’m not serving the flock, I’m serving good, home roasted coffee to family and friends.

Woodworker: Another hobby that has “turned” into a small family business is woodturning. Working with wood a little bit each week keeps me sane in this big world of personalities.

Film Festival Director: Since that didn’t seem like enough on my plate I also started the annual Christian Worldview Film Festival and Filmmakers Guild.

Author: When there’s time to spare, I love to take  a Pilot G2 gel pen and a pad of paper and write! I used to pour a lot of creative writing energy into music, and now that has shifted to the fun of writing a novel.

Musician: I got my start in ministry as a singer/songwriter. It’s been over a decade since I last recorded any music but be on the lookout for new music in 2023 on your favorite streaming service.

 

Why Save Alexander – Coming 2019

Why Save Alexander – Coming 2019

Why Save Alexander – Coming 2019

Can a hardcore gamer survive a real-world crisis? Seventeen-year-old Alex Brooks is obsessed with becoming an e-athlete. What teen wouldn’t want to make a million dollars playing video games professionally? Especially if you’ve got a real shot at it like Alex. His mom, a television producer in Hollywood, casts her son in a reality show about young gaming hopefuls seeking fame and fortune. This gives him great exposure in the industry. On top of that, His dad owns an up-and-coming tech business that is about to launch a revolutionary product. Life couldn’t be better—or could it?

Truth be told, Alex doesn’t need to go pro as bad as he needs to grow up, and what teen really wants to do that? He’s popular with other gamers but his over-inflated ego makes him obnoxious to almost everyone else. He hides a deep secret—the cavernous void in his life that nothing seems to fill. He thrives on a false sense of accomplishment but is haunted by an inescapable sense of loneliness. He has lived in the shadow of his dad’s relentless pursuit of building a tech empire while watching him fail to keep his family from falling apart. What will it take for Alex to gain a new perspective on what it means to become a man and what it takes to be a hero?

Everything changes when Alex goes missing. He must face a life or death struggle in a foreign culture that doesn’t have a power grid. Man or computer mouse? His digital world didn’t prepare him for the challenges that are about to confront him. Alex is not ready to rescue anyone, he needs to be rescued. For those who really know Alexander, why would anyone want to save him? This coming-of-age story follows Alex as he is forced to grow up the hard way through extraordinary circumstances, which cause him to re-evaluate what’s important in life, his need for God, and the positive influence of older mentors. Adventure, danger, romance, survival, despair and Providence are the ingredients that help remake his life.

“Teens and young adult men and women will enjoy and benefit from this book. It’s full of action vividly described. It moves quickly and will engage the reader. This gripping story is full of much truth. In clever and creative ways, Phillip causes readers to think about and evaluate their lives, relationships, goals, purposes, and passions. They may not even realize they’re thinking about these things while enjoying the book, but it will be good for them. I expect some readers will make changes in their lives because of Phillip’s important story. I don’t read much fiction because it doesn’t move me, but I could not put this book down.”

—Kathy Koch, PhD

Founder and President, Celebrate Kids, Inc., and author of Screens and Teens: Connecting with Our Kids in a Wireless World

“Phillip Telfer is a master story-teller, drawing the reader into a tale that is both epic and intimate. This book is an unexpected reading adventure with an irresistible plot line, curious characters, and exotic cinematic backdrops. Why Save Alexander showcases Telfer’s rare knack for supplying pithy and profound cultural insight. He blends high stakes drama and winsome fun with a deeply thought-provoking message to produce a delightfully soul-stirring tale.”

—Eric Ludy

bestselling author and past

“Phillip Telfer is a dear friend and a wise and engaging communicator whose heart for Christ and the gospel is evident in all that he does. This book is embedded with an important and timely theme for our generation.”

—Stephen Kendrick

Film Producer and Bestselling Author

“An entertaining story driven by values you can feel good about.”

—Craig Brian Larson

Author and Blogger

“There was a time in my life—many moons ago—that I read for fun. Give me a Hardy Boys mystery or Nancy Drew novel (not just for girls!) and I would be transported into a world of adventure and intrigue where the good ‘guys’ accomplished something daring and noble. That was then. Now? Two of my last books have been about theology and religious criticism. I just don’t take the time for mystery and adventure. But I should.  Why Save Alexander started out as a read as a favor for a friend, but morphed into a nostalgic throwback—only with a Christian underpinning that came naturally in this story. And left me wanting to read the next book in this series—if one should be written.” 

—Bob Waliszewski

Former Director of Focus on the Family’s Plugged In

“Phillip Teller tells a good story here that is sure to engage the young teen as well as adult reader. Why Save Alexander walks the fine line between the real world and the metaphoric, but leaves the reader with a firmer grasp on reality—God’s reality—real reality. The message could not be more powerful and important for the post-modern, thoughtful reader.” 

—Kevin Swanson

Author, Speaker, and Host of Generations Radio Broadcast

Who is Phillip Telfer? What is the core of my identity? I’m a child of God and a disciple of Jesus Christ. What you do is not as important as who you are. But in case you’re wondering about what I do, here you go…

Husband & Father: Mary and I have been married for 32 years and blessed with 4 children, one fantastic son-in-law, and three precious grandchildren.

Minister: I serve as a pastor by day (and night) and I’m the founder and director of the nonprofit ministry Media Talk 101

Coffee Nut: When I’m not serving the flock, I’m serving good, home roasted coffee to family and friends.

Woodworker: Another hobby that has “turned” into a small family business is woodturning. Working with wood a little bit each week keeps me sane in this big world of personalities.

Film Festival Director: Since that didn’t seem like enough on my plate I also started the annual Christian Worldview Film Festival and Filmmakers Guild.

Author: When there’s time to spare, I love to take  a Pilot G2 gel pen and a pad of paper and write! I used to pour a lot of creative writing energy into music, and now that has shifted to the fun of writing a novel.

Musician: I got my start in ministry as a singer/songwriter. It’s been over a decade since I last recorded any music but be on the lookout for new music in 2023 on your favorite streaming service.

 

The Christian in Complete Armour

The Christian in Complete Armour

The Christian in Complete Armour

A few months ago, a friend recommended The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall, originally published in 1669. Thankfully, it is still available today in print and digital. Charles Spurgeon said…

“Gurnall’s work is peerless and priceless; every line is full of wisdom; every sentence suggestive. The whole book has been preached over scores of times, and is, in our judgment, the best thought-breeder in all our library.”  —Charles Spurgeon

(more…)

All New Phillip Telfer Website

All New Phillip Telfer Website

All New Phillip Telfer Website

Wow, I’m finally getting around to fixing my broken website and giving it an updated theme. I’m using WordPress, Divi, Audio Ignitor and few other goodies. I hope you enjoy the new look and the content.

Who is Phillip Telfer? What is the core of my identity? I’m a child of God and a disciple of Jesus Christ. What you do is not as important as who you are. But in case you’re wondering about what I do, here you go…

Husband & Father: Mary and I have been married for 32 years and blessed with 4 children, one fantastic son-in-law, and three precious grandchildren.

Minister: I serve as a pastor by day (and night) and I’m the founder and director of the nonprofit ministry Media Talk 101

Coffee Nut: When I’m not serving the flock, I’m serving good, home roasted coffee to family and friends.

Woodworker: Another hobby that has “turned” into a small family business is woodturning. Working with wood a little bit each week keeps me sane in this big world of personalities.

Film Festival Director: Since that didn’t seem like enough on my plate I also started the annual Christian Worldview Film Festival and Filmmakers Guild.

Author: When there’s time to spare, I love to take  a Pilot G2 gel pen and a pad of paper and write! I used to pour a lot of creative writing energy into music, and now that has shifted to the fun of writing a novel.

Musician: I got my start in ministry as a singer/songwriter. It’s been over a decade since I last recorded any music but be on the lookout for new music in 2023 on your favorite streaming service.

 

Compelled Podcast Interview

Compelled Podcast Interview

Compelled Podcast Interview

I was interviewed recently by Paul Hastings for his Compelled Podcast.  It is a privilege to share my story. You can listen using the player above or visit their website https://compelledpodcast.com/05-phillip-telfer-a-spiritual-suicide/

Who is Phillip Telfer? What is the core of my identity? I’m a child of God and a disciple of Jesus Christ. What you do is not as important as who you are. But in case you’re wondering about what I do, here you go…

Husband & Father: Mary and I have been married for 32 years and blessed with 4 children, one fantastic son-in-law, and three precious grandchildren.

Minister: I serve as a pastor by day (and night) and I’m the founder and director of the nonprofit ministry Media Talk 101

Coffee Nut: When I’m not serving the flock, I’m serving good, home roasted coffee to family and friends.

Woodworker: Another hobby that has “turned” into a small family business is woodturning. Working with wood a little bit each week keeps me sane in this big world of personalities.

Film Festival Director: Since that didn’t seem like enough on my plate I also started the annual Christian Worldview Film Festival and Filmmakers Guild.

Author: When there’s time to spare, I love to take  a Pilot G2 gel pen and a pad of paper and write! I used to pour a lot of creative writing energy into music, and now that has shifted to the fun of writing a novel.

Musician: I got my start in ministry as a singer/songwriter. It’s been over a decade since I last recorded any music but be on the lookout for new music in 2023 on your favorite streaming service.