Page 20 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2025 - Online Magazine

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Senior
Senior

The Passionate Pastor

Phil McClendon

by Emily Rodgers

raduation is quickly approaching, and
I find myself constantly seeking advice
Gfrom the adults around me. Their
wisdom and experience help me feel more
confident with my decisions. I seek advice
from people who have already experienced
what I am doing this semester: deciding on
college location, major, and career goals. One
person I can talk to is Phil McClendon, the
interim pastor at my church in Levelland. I
have not known Phil for long, but I have come
to respect and admire him as both a pastor
and a leader. To learn a little bit more about
him, I met with Phil outside of the Sunday
service. He answered my questions and asked
me a few of his own. He wanted to know more
about me as well.
Phil McClendon was born in Houston,
Texas, but he attended Tahoka High School.
While in Tahoka, he participated in several
extracurricular activities, including basketball,
track, football, and summer baseball. After
high school, Phil went to Baylor University
and set a record for 1976 in the 4x800 meter
relay. He later began his seminary study and
obtained his MDiv at Asbury Theological
Seminary. After graduation from Asbury,
the Methodist conference sent Phil back to
West Texas to begin his transition into full-
time ministry. He worked in Amherst before
moving to Stamford and then to Lubbock. In
1997, Phil started a church now known as the
Springs Fellowship Church.

20 Lubbock Senior Link