Welcome to episode fifty-five of New Creation Conversations. In today’s conversation I’m delighted to be joined by Dr. Philip Zimmermann. Philip is the co-founder and pastor of Church in Action in Germany. Born in Frankfurt, Philip is known for strategic thinking and creative problem solving. He is a social entrepreneur, a pastor, and a church planter who has started and led several churches, non-profits, and businesses.

Philip is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from European Nazarene College, a Master of Arts in Spiritual formation from Northwest Nazarene University, and a Doctorate of Strategic Leadership from Regent University. When he has the space, Philip teaches university courses in leadership and spiritual formation and speaks at leadership conferences around the world. He has written two books: Problem Solving and Creativity and Time Management. 

Recently, Philip was in town, and my wife (Debbie) and I had the privilege of attending a seminar he was leading on the mind shift (or change in imagination) necessary for the church to reach an increasingly post-Christian culture. The seminar was challenging and insightful, and so I was excited to get a chance to sit down and have a conversation with Philip about the Church in Action and what he is learning about the mission of the church in this historical moment. One very fun aspect of this conversation is that we were in the same room together. It took me fifty-five of these conversations to finally have one that wasn’t on Zoom but face-to-face. I loved not only the chance to spend an hour or so with Philip, but I also came away excited and filled with hope for the future of not only my own denomination but the global Body of Christ as it will be led by young leaders like Philip. I think you will not only learn a lot from our conversation, but you will also be encouraged as well. Thanks for joining me on these weekly journeys toward the new creation. Here’s my conversation with Dr. Philip Zimmermann.