Phil A. Newton (D.Min. Fuller Theological Seminary; Ph.D. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) serves as senior pastor of South Woods Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee USA. Prior to planting South Woods in 1987, he pastored churches in Alabama and Mississippi. He has been mentoring pastors, missionaries, church planters, and leaders in their congregations since his early ministry.Phil has authored and contributed to a number of books, including The Mentoring Church: How Pastors and Congregations Cultivate Leaders; Elders in the Life of the Church (with Matt Schmucker); Conduct Gospel-Centered Funerals (with Brian Croft); Dear Timothy: Letters on Pastoral Ministry (ed. Thomas K. Ascol); 15 Things Seminary Couldn't Teach Me (eds. Collin Hansen and Jeff Robinson Sr.; forthcoming). In addition to his books, Phil contributes to The Gospel Coalition, 9Marks eJournal, Founders Journal, and other publications. His weekly podcast, Pastors and Pastoring, addresses a variety of issues in pastoral ministry. He has served as an adjunct professor for Southeastern Seminary's Equip Center. He and his wife Karen have five children and six grandchildren. They enjoy traveling, watching Alabama football, and long walks.