About Us
Our Mission
The Mission of Phil Waldrep Evangelistic Association is to share the gospel by all means, traditional and non-traditional, and to provide quality conferences and resources for people to develop their spiritual lives by strengthening their relationship with God, family and associates while maintaining a commitment to Biblical truth and highest levels of integrity.
A commitment to serve – to obey God and spread the gospel to all of the world – that is the the main purpose of Phil Waldrep Ministries. We believe a Christian ministry should follow Christ, so we dedicate our existence to the salvation of the world.
In addition to hosting a daily radio program, conferences and events, Phil Waldrep speaks at churches and events, encourages church leaders, and provides quality resources for believers, including his books, Parenting Prodigals and The Grand Parent Factor.
History
The Phil Waldrep Evangelistic Association was formed in 1980 to support the speaking ministry of Phil Waldrep. Today, Phil Waldrep is pleased to host a daily radio broadcast and specially planned events for the needs of students, men, women, mature adults, and pastors.
In 1984, the Phil Waldrep Evangelistic Association held their first conference, “The Phil Waldrep Youth Bible Conference” in Talladega, Alabama. This conference had an attendance of 284 the first year. This number grew to an annual average of over 1,000 attendees over the next seven years, from 1984-1991.
In 1991, the conference division of P.W.E.A. was formed. It began hosting two different student camps- “Oasis” in June and July, and “Teen Celebrations” just after Christmas, as well as the first women’s and men’s conferences – Mountain Top Men and Women of Joy.
Mature adult and marriage conferences were added in 1994. The Celebrators conference is still the number one conference for mature adults, hosting speakers like Dr. David Jeremiah and President Bush W. Bush, and featuring music from groups like the Gaither Vocal Band.
In 1996, the marriage conferences were retired, and Women’s Weekend Getaway was launched. As a compliment to Women of Joy, it serves those who prefer a smaller setting and a little more relaxed atmosphere.
After the turn of the 21st century, Phil Waldrep Evangelistic Association simplified its name and became known as Phil Waldrep Ministries.
A name change also came to Teen Celebration in 2005, becoming Connect Student Celebrations, as the summer Oasis conferences were retired with attendance declined from its peak of six events in three states. In 2010, Connect moves to a new venue in Sevierville Tennessee to make room for more big name artists and bands, like Toby Mac, Third Day, and Jeremy Camp.
In 2010, Mountain Men’s Conference grew into what is now the Gridiron Men’s Conference, with a brand new venue at the University of Alabama. Speakers like Lou Holtz and Rick Burgess gave challenging messages to over 3000 in attendance, calling men to sharpen one another as iron sharpens iron.
Phil Waldrep Ministries added a daily radio broadcast, Living With Joy, in the Fall of 2009. It is currently heard in 49 states on over 900 local stations and syndicated by CSN International.
Our Staff
Our staff is dedicated to helping serve our guests. Want to contact us by phone? We answer it personally. Need help at one of our events? We have dozens of staff members who will be pleased to help assist you.
Our full time staff:
- Phil Waldrep – President
- Barry Roberts – Conference Director
- David Vest – Media Director
- Emily Bryan – Public Relations
- Jan Smith – Event Registration Management
- Maegan Price – Event Registration Management
- Nacole Wimberly – Event Registration Management
- Penny Owens – Executive Assistant
- Ruth Bochte – Graphic Artist
- Sam McElroy – Executive Director
- Susan White – Event Registration Management
- Tollie Williams – Information Technology
