2007 Distinguished Service Award
Chuck Phelps earned two degrees from Bob Jones University, a B.A. in Bible in 1980 and a Doctor of Ministry degree in 1990. He was one of three men who were awarded the degree in 1990 as the first graduates of the program. He met his wife, Linda, as a student at Bob Jones University. Two of their five children are graduates of the school; the third is currently a freshman here; one is a high school sophomore and one a sixth grader.
He served at the First Calvary Baptist Church in South Saint Paul, Minn., while in seminary and for four years served as youth pastor at Grace Baptist Church of Owatonna, Minn., under his mentor, Dr. Ben Strohbehn. From 1986-1989 he was associate pastor at the Tri-City Baptist Church of Arvada, Colo., under Dr. Matt Olson.
He now serves as senior pastor at Trinity Baptist Church in Concord, N.H. Under his ministry the congregation has grown from about 275 to about 1,000 in active weekly attendance, with over 700 in attendance on Wednesday evenings. The congregation has completed three major construction projects and has acquired eight acres of abutting property. The church has sent nine couples and two singles to the mission field, and three couples are on active deputation. For many years, Trinity Baptist Church has been in the top ten churches sending students to BJU.
The church has been instrumental in starting four churches in New Hampshire and two in Massachusetts. In addition to a Christian school, the church has established a Bible training center and the Trinity School of the Arts. (This community education endeavor is being used of the Lord to reach the lost for Christ.) The church hosts an annual Christian leadership conference for delegates from 60 churches around New England.
Our recipient has preached in over thirty states and eleven foreign countries. He serves on many boards, including those of Bob Jones University, the Wilds, and Baptist World Mission.
He has written many articles for Christian publications, Footsteps of Faith, a manual for local church discipleship, and he edits The Trinity Trumpet.
In recognition of notable achievements, service, and Christian character which reflect honor upon Bob Jones University, the Alumni Association executive committee is delighted to present this Distinguished Service Award to Chuck Phelps.