Union Ministry Leader Hayden Phillips Emphasizes Commitment to Local Church

Phillips, assistant director of campus ministry and men's discipleship, encourages students to find a church home and get involved.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:55pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated image of a coffee mug or other iconic campus object, conceptually representing the intentional relationships and commitment to local church involvement championed by a campus ministry leader.A vibrant, pop art-inspired illustration captures the energy and community-focused approach of a campus ministry leader dedicated to helping students find their church home.Jackson Today

Hayden Phillips, the assistant director of campus ministry and men's discipleship at Union University, is known for his commitment to helping students get plugged into a local church. Whether it's pushing a car through the snow or having intentional conversations, Phillips emphasizes the importance of belonging to a church community and contributing to its growth.

Why it matters

In a culture where church attendance and commitment can be lacking, especially among young adults, Phillips' approach highlights the value of being part of a local congregation and the role it plays in spiritual development and community building.

The details

Phillips, who studied chemistry in college, has found his calling in campus ministry and men's discipleship. He takes a hands-on approach, whether it's helping a family push their car through the snow or having one-on-one conversations with students about where they are attending church. Phillips encourages students to find a church home and get involved, rather than just 'church hopping.' He believes that true growth and contribution to the body of Christ happens when one commits to a local congregation.

  • In February 2026, Phillips and a group of Union students were in Washington, D.C. for the March for Life when a snowstorm hit, leading to the car-pushing incident.
  • Phillips regularly has conversations with freshmen and seniors about their church involvement, often asking 'Where have you decided to go to church?' rather than 'Are you going to church?'

The players

Hayden Phillips

The assistant director of campus ministry and men's discipleship at Union University, known for his commitment to helping students get plugged into a local church.

Gracie Phillips

Hayden's wife, a Union nursing alumna, who joined him on the trip to Washington, D.C.

Julie Bradfield

The director for student discipleship and engagement at Union, who speaks highly of Phillips' diligence and focus.

Calvary Baptist Church

The church in Jackson, Mississippi where Phillips also serves in college ministry.

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What they’re saying

“He takes his work seriously. That probably comes from chemistry because you can't be halfway about it. It requires diligence and focus.”

— Julie Bradfield, Director for student discipleship and engagement

“I try not to frame the question as, 'Are you going to church,' but more of 'Where have you decided to go to church?' I've talked to freshmen before who will say, 'You know, I don't get why I can't just go here sometimes and go here sometimes.' And I'll be honest and chat with them. Hey, it's never not going to be a good thing to sit under teaching and fellowship with believers and like' — here he paused to think — 'sing together with other believers.”

— Hayden Phillips, Assistant director of campus ministry and men's discipleship

“The conversation with seniors is more like, 'Where did you end up? Where do you go? Whether in Jackson or not in Jackson, how are you hoping to be involved in whatever church you find yourself at?' But even more so, 'Are you looking to contribute to that church?'”

— Hayden Phillips, Assistant director of campus ministry and men's discipleship

What’s next

Phillips plans to continue having intentional conversations with Union students about their church involvement and commitment, encouraging them to find a local congregation where they can grow and contribute.

The takeaway

Hayden Phillips' approach to campus ministry highlights the importance of helping young adults establish a strong connection to a local church community, which can provide spiritual nourishment, fellowship, and opportunities for service and growth.