About

Philip Amerson “retired” to Bloomington, Indiana — then he got busy with new ways to fulfill his vocational call as pastor and community encourager.  He is president-emeritus of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, having lead the school from 2006 to 2014.  Prior to this he was president of the Claremont School of Theology in California, 2000-2006.

Phil’s official pastoral connection with congregations includes St. Johns (Evansville), Broadway (Indianapolis) and First United Methodist (Bloomington).  More recently he has been asked to lead as interim pastor for St. Andrew United Methodist (Highlands Ranch, Colorado, 2014) and First United Methodist (San Diego, 2018-19).

He has sought to be a community encourager/builder in multiple, diverse settings — from the Republic of Panama, to Westmont College in California to Candler School of Theology in Atlanta and many other places.  Phil and his spouse Elaine were founding member of Patchwork Central, an intentional Christian Community in Evansville, Indiana (1975 – 1985).   He has served as consultant for many groups including the Lilly Endowment and the Flourishing in Ministry project at the University of Notre Dame.  Email address is philip.amerson@gmail.com.

7 thoughts on “About”

  1. Looked for you at Rotary today. Wanted to tell about my “filling the pulpit” experience over in N. Vernon country. It really surprised–and gratified me!

    Like

    Reply

  2. Phil:
    Thank you for the wonderful sermon yesterday at St. Marks! I was a joy to hear a realistic but uplifting message in these hard times.
    Best wishes!
    Bruce Martin

    Like

    Reply

  3. Dear Rev. Amerson,
    Thank you for this post and for sharing your letter to Rep. Hollingsworth. I hope you will send a copy of your important letter to all the editors of the newspapers within the 9th District and the radio station that did interview. If Rep. Hollingsworth will not consider your thoughtful questions, perhaps those who have the opportunity and responsibility to vote for or against him will.
    I’m grateful to know of your good works in the world.
    Sincerely,
    Kate O’Shea
    Bloomington IN

    Like

    Reply

  4. Phil, it has been years since I have spoken with you but have followed much of your work from a distance. Living and working in Evansville since 1974, I have seen a lot of what you did. Patchwork is still serving families.

    Karen and I are active cooking for the homeless in Evansville.

    However, recently, we are extremely saddened by the separation of families at our borders by the Trump Administration.

    When I saw your appointment to San Diego, I was hopeful to look at your blog and see a statement from you condemning this activity.

    You are in a position of influence over many people as a result of your past positions and new assignment. Please use it to take a stand about an issue that I am sure you have feelings about.

    Thanks for considering my thoughts.

    Connell Jones (formerly of East Columbus UMC with your parents and Bill and Steve)

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment