Meet Rev. Dr. Demetrese D. Phillips
A Life of Faith, Leadership & Service
Rev. Dr. Demetrese D. Phillips serves as Senior Pastor of Historic St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church in New Orleans, Louisiana—the Mother Church of the Eighth Episcopal District. For nearly three decades, his ministry has been defined by faithful service, effective leadership, community empowerment, and a commitment to strengthening the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
His Pastoral Journey
A Journey of Faithful Service
Dr. Phillips began his pastoral ministry in 1996 at Lewis Chapel AME Church in Buckatunna, Mississippi, his home church. His journey of service would later include Ebenezer AME Church in Benton, Mary Springhill AME Church in Shreveport, Allen Chapel AME Church in Baton Rouge, and Historic St. James AME Church in New Orleans.
At each assignment, his ministry has combined spiritual leadership with practical action—strengthening congregations, developing community resources, improving church facilities, and positioning ministries for continued growth.
Leadership, Education & Connectional Service
Prepared Through Experience
Connectional Leadership
Nine years of service on the General Board of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Administrative Leadership
Conference Treasurer, Chair of the Board of Examiners, Conference Dean, Dean of the Institute, Episcopal Church School Superintendent, and Vice Chair of the Louisiana Conference Board of Trustees.
Academic Preparation
Bachelor of Business Management — Wiley University
Master of Divinity — Payne Theological Seminary
Doctor of Ministry — SMU Perkins School of Theolog
Faith & Family
Faith. Family. Service.
At the heart of Dr. Phillips’ ministry is his family. He and Mrs. Chandra M. Phillips, Ed.D., have built their life around faith, education, service, and family. They are the proud parents of Demetrese D. Phillips II.
