Phil Waldrep

{{Infobox writer

| name = Phil Waldrep

| image =

| caption =

| pseudonym =

| birth_date =

| birth_name =

| birth_place =Morgan County, Alabama

| occupation = Minister

| period =

| genre =

| movement =

| notableworks =

| influences =

| influenced =

| awards =

| website = {{URL|http://www.philwaldrep.org}}

| children =

| alma_mater = University of Alabama

}}

Phil Waldrep is Southern Baptist preacher, evangelist, and author based in Decatur, Alabama. He is the Founder and President of Phil Waldrep Ministries, an evangelical nonprofit that organizes Christian conferences.{{cite news|last1=Bates|first1=Martine|title=Waldrep fulfills great-grandfather's prophecy, lives legacy through preaching ministry|url=http://www.thealabamabaptist.org/print-edition-article-detail.php?id_art=393&pricat_art=1#sthash.oBeHejRz.dpuf|accessdate=14 February 2016|publisher=The Alabama Baptist|date=19 August 2004}}

Waldrep was born in Morgan County, Alabama, near Decatur, Alabama. His father, Linnes Waldrep, was a factory worker, but he is the grandson and great-grandson of Baptist preachers. He began preaching at the age of 14.{{cite news|last1=Campbell|first1=Kay|title=Phil Waldrep Ministries inspires with Gridiron Men's Conference, creative faithfulness to heritage|url=http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2013/06/phil_waldrep_gridiron.html|accessdate=13 February 2016|publisher=The Birmingham News|date=10 June 2013}} Waldrep is a graduate of Calhoun Community College, of the University of Alabama, and of Luther Rice College and Seminary.{{cite news|last1=Godbey|first1=Catherine|title=Stand up and Be Heard|agency=McClatchy - Tribune Business News|publisher=Decatur Daily|date=7 June 2013|id={{ProQuest|1365616694}}}}{{cite news|last1=Gordon|first1=Jean|title=Waldrep writes book about grandparents|publisher=The News-Star|date=24 September 2003|id={{ProQuest|439911071}}}} He and his wife, Debbie, have two children.{{cite news|last1=Garrison|first1=Greg|title=Drew Brees, Dr. Ben Carson headline Gridiron Men's Conference|url=http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2015/06/drew_brees_dr_ben_carson_headl.html|accessdate=13 February 2016|publisher=The Birmingham News|date=10 June 2015}}

Waldrep founded Phil Waldrep Ministries, which organizes Christian conferences.{{cite news|last1=Martin|first1=Allie|title=Northeast Mississippi Men Attend Annual 'Gridiron' Conference|url=http://www.wcbi.com/local-news/video-northeast-mississippi-men-attend-annual-gridiron-conference/|agency=WCBI|date=June 22, 2015}} On October 5, 2009, Waldrep launched a 25-minute radio program, Living with Joy! Radio, broadcast on 500 stations of CSN International in heard in 46 states.{{cite news|last1=Smith|first1=Melanie|title=National audience for Decatur ministry|url=http://www.decaturdaily.com/life/national-audience-for-decatur-ministry/article_44cfbed8-7836-57bc-9ac4-0273f4f51845.html|accessdate=14 February 2016|publisher=Decatur Daily|date=6 November 2009}}{{cite news|last1=Smith|first1=Melanie|title=National audience for Decatur ministry: Hosting President Bush, launching radio programs, Phil Waldrep expands reach|publisher=McClatchy|date=6 November 2009|id={{ProQuest|457182457}}}}

Waldrep's 2002 book, Parenting Prodigals, offers guidance to parents whose children have rejected faith, with special attention to Christian parents whose children have not only left the faith, but who have also fallen prey to alcohol abuse, drug abuse and criminal activities. His advice to parents includes encouragement to "pray specifically," "love your child unconditionally," and "allow sin to run its course."{{cite news|title=Parenting Prodigals (book review)|publisher=South Florida Sun - Sentinel|date=16 February 2002|id={{ProQuest|387995220}}}}

Books

  • Reaching Your Prodigal: What Did I Do Wrong? What Do I Do Now? Worthy Publishing, 2016. {{ISBN|978-1617956751}}
  • The Grandparent Factor: Five Ways to make a Difference in the Life of Your Grandchild, Baxter Press, 2003. {{ISBN|978-1888237443}}{{cite news|last1=Zeller|first1=Penny|title=For Some of Life's Hurdles, a Grandparent's Help is Best|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/26764033/|accessdate=15 February 2016|publisher=Brownsville Herald|date=23 November 2006}}
  • Parenting Prodigals: Six Principles to Get Your Son or Daughter Back to God, Baxter Press, 2001. {{ISBN|978-1888237542}} {{cite news|last1=Bates|first1=Judy Woodward|title=Prayer, support important when dealing with prodigal adult children|url=http://www.thealabamabaptist.org/print-edition-article-detail.php?id_art=19291&pricat_art=4#sthash.BYCGecsX.dpuf|accessdate=14 February 2016|publisher=Alabama Baptist|date=16 June 2011}}

References