Podcast Summary: Girls Gone Bible – Philip Anthony Mitchell Episode

Release Date: June 14, 2025

In this compelling episode of Girls Gone Bible, hosts Angela Halili (Ang) and Arielle Reitsma (Ari) engage in a profound and heartfelt conversation with Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell, a transformative figure in modern Christian ministry. The episode delves deep into Philip’s personal journey, his ministry at 2819 Church, theological insights, and the pressing issues facing today’s Christian community.

1. Introduction and Praise

The episode opens with Ang and Ari expressing their admiration for Philip, highlighting his authentic representation of faith and his impact on the current generation.

[01:46] Ari: "Every word that utters out of your mouth is the love of Jesus. You speak rawness, you speak truth."

Philip responds with gratitude, commending the hosts for their biblical stance and recognizing their ministry’s significance in today’s culture.

[02:56] Philip Anthony Mitchell: "I know that you ladies were anointed for the hour that we're living in right now."

2. Philip’s Background and Transformation

Philip shares his transformative journey from pastoring Victory Church for a decade to founding 2819 Church, inspired by Matthew 28:19. He reflects on his personal struggles with vanity, envy, and superficial prayer life, leading to a pivotal encounter with God during a trip to Israel.

[05:07] Philip Anthony Mitchell: "I had an encounter with God in Israel that radically changed my heart. It changed my preaching. It changed my view of God."

Following the pandemic’s challenges, Philip and his wife were guided to rename their ministry to 2819, symbolizing their commitment to the Great Commission.

3. Importance of Biblical Hermeneutics and Proper Teaching

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the hermeneutic—the proper study and interpretation of Scriptures. Philip emphasizes the rise in biblical illiteracy and poor teaching within Western Christianity, advocating for a return to sound doctrine to combat the misconceptions of God and Christ.

[25:11] Philip Anthony Mitchell: "We need a hermeneutic of the power of the cross and what Christ accomplished on the cross."

He highlights the necessity for believers to understand and internalize the sufficiency of Jesus’ sacrifice, warning against living in shame and condemnation.

4. Purity in the Church and Critique of Modern Expressions

Philip and the hosts critique the current trends in church culture, particularly the emphasis on relatability and the prosperity gospel. They argue that true authenticity stems from vulnerability and transparency about personal struggles, rather than superficial connections.

[49:15] Philip Anthony Mitchell: "The purest model of church and its purest expression has to go back to the Book of Acts when the church was born."

Philip advocates for a church modeled after the early believers—devoted to teaching, prayer, fellowship, generosity, and evangelism—rather than one focused on entertainment or material success.

5. Dealing with Sin and Pursuit of Holiness

A central theme is the balance between grace and truth in Christianity. Philip warns against the overemphasis on grace that leads to moral laxity, stressing that true intimacy with Christ results in a natural aversion to sin.

[60:19] Philip Anthony Mitchell: "Grace has not been given for us to have a life of sin and rebellion."

He underscores the importance of genuine repentance and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in purifying believers’ hearts.

6. Mental Health in Ministry and the Church

Philip bravely opens up about his own struggles with depression and the stigma surrounding mental health in ministry. He shares his experiences balancing pastoral duties while seeking therapy and medication, emphasizing the need for honesty and support within the Christian community.

[91:05] Philip Anthony Mitchell: "I know what it is to preach for three years and battle with depression and be on medication for depression."

He calls for a compassionate approach, urging the church to create safe spaces for believers to confess and seek help without judgment.

7. Prayer and Community Support

The episode culminates in a powerful exchange of prayers, with both Philip and the hosts expressing deep concern for one another’s ministries and personal battles. They commit to supporting each other through prayer and spiritual solidarity.

[109:56] Ang: "We bless every single person that tries to come against you in your ministry."

Philip echoes this sentiment, praying for divine protection and favor over the hosts and their ministry.

Notable Quotes

• Philip Anthony Mitchell [05:07]: "2819 concretizes what's in my heart. It reminds us that there is nothing else happening right now on earth that's more important than the Great Commission of the Lord Jesus Christ."

• Arielle Reitsma [59:35]: "Can we switch? Like, if you could, I'm willing to switch with someone just for them to have freedom."

• Philip Anthony Mitchell [62:59]: "Grace has not been given to us for us to stand in the presence of God because of the blood of Jesus and be declared righteous because of the blood of Jesus."

• Angela Halili [83:56]: "There’s nothing more beautiful than God loving you enough to call you higher and call you to a more pure place in your heart."

Conclusion

This episode of Girls Gone Bible offers an unfiltered look into Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell’s life and ministry, addressing critical issues such as biblical literacy, the purity of church teachings, the balance between grace and holiness, and the often-overlooked intersection of mental health and faith. Through honest dialogue and shared experiences, Philip and the hosts encourage listeners to pursue a deeper, more authentic relationship with Christ, grounded in Scripture and community support.

For those seeking inspiration, theological insights, and a reminder of the transformative power of faith, this episode serves as a heartfelt guide to navigating the complexities of modern Christianity.