Reverend Phil Manuel Turner
The Rev. Phil Manuel Turner is pastor of Bethany Baptist Church which was founded in 1887. Under his leadership, a 400-person fellowship hall was added to the church on Beattie Street, which opened its doors in 1996. The Fellowship Hall is used for many Church and public functions, including the Mayor’s 2005 State of the City address. Bethany’s church van can be seen throughout our community providing transportation to those who need it.
Under Pastor Turner’s leadership, the church developed a radio ministry, a tutoring program, and an annual TAP Festival which highlights African American heritage. Bethany partners with the Syracuse City School District and parents to improve academic programs for students in the district. Bethany’s H.Y.P.E. offers students classes in writing and oratory presentation. Bethany hosts programs for people dealing with addiction recovery on Tuesdays, serves hot meals on Wednesdays and hosts clothing giveaways twice a year.
Pastor Turner served as interim pastor from 2003 until 2007 when he was installed as pastor of Bethany Baptist Church. He and his wife, Janice Flanagan, met as college students at SUNY Cortland. They have three children and six grandchildren.
Pastor Turner has extensive business experience and has held recording contracts with Warner Brothers and Fourth and Broadway. His experiences have proven to be great resources for his relevant and effective ministry, which combines life lessons with spiritual gifts and the word of God.
Reverend Turner holds a Bachelor of Science in History and Political Science from Columbia College and a Masters Degree in Theological Studies from Northeastern Seminary in Rochester, New York and a Certificate in Church Management received from Villanova University.
Our Pastor Believes...
The Church is God’s institution on earth, headed by Jesus Christ. It is imperative that the church be imbued with the Word of God, such that, there is no variance in the mind of God and the mind of the church. The church’s mission must be congruent with that of Christ, “ teaching and baptizing all nations in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things Christ has commanded us while we seek to save the lost” (Matthew 28: 19 – 20, Luke 19:10)
The church should minister to the whole person, guiding them to be fruitful in family, work, health and as contributing members of society. The church is accountable to God to be a light in its community, provide spiritual enrichment for sustaining life to the Glory of God.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” Matthew 5:16
Favorite Scripture
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths” Proverbs 3: 5-6
Email: pastorpmturner@verizon.net
