Maple Grove Evangelical Free Church

Phillip Santillan 

Title:  Pastor of Worship Arts

Responsibilities:  Lead and oversee the Worship Arts Ministries

Hometown:  Newport News, VA

Family:  Leona Santillan (Wife) / Brennan Santillan (Son 7/10/06) / Emily Santillan (Daughter 11/4/07)

Education:  North Central University, Minneapolis, MN

Experience:  Worship Pastor - Rogers, MN / Associate Pastor - Orlando, FL

What brought me to MGEFC:  The obvious answer would be the Lord. The “cliff’s notes” version of the story of our journey can be simplified in this statement: Serving as a Pastor at MGEFC allows me to lead with the talents in creative arts that God has given me, as well as operate in the ministry of serving as a pastor – shepherding a local fellowship of believers and doing the work of an evangelist. (Isaiah 40:11, Nehemiah 8:8, Ephesians 4:12, 1 Peter 5:2-3)

Vision for my ministry:  One of the wonderful opportunities our Worship Arts Ministry has is the planning and execution of our weekend experiences. My vision is to take our mission (to reach, connect, and share) and allow it to motivated our intentions and be lead by the Holy Spirit in those intentions. This means we are connecting the gifts and talents that make up MGEFC to create weekend experiences that are Christ-Focused and God-Honoring.

We are not professionals. We are family. So our goal of excellence is not driven by results as much as it is driven by our desire to be good stewards of God’s gifts and our desire to serve one another with the respect and excellence that family members serve one another with. 

We believe in discipleship and mentoring. Discipleship cannot happen outside of community and accountability. My vision is that the Worship Arts Ministry just isn’t a collection of talented Christ-Followers, but a community of Christians who are brought together by the commonality of Worship Arts and are intentionally positioning themselves in community and accountability so that they may continue in maturity of their faith and following of Christ.

Favorite movie:  The Princess Bride

Favorite TV show:  Most anything on the Discovery Channel

Favorite musical artist:  Bobby Peterson

Favorite book (other than the Bible):  Where the Red Fern Grows

Favorite caffeinated beverage:  Coffee – black no sugar!

Favorite person:  My Wife

Favorite place to pray:  Where I am at

Favorite sports team:  Pittsburgh Steelers

Favorite food:  Anything my wife cooks...seriously!

Hobbies/interests:  Reading, blogging

Random fact about me:  I have no middle name

What fascinates me:  God’s mercy and grace fascinates me everyday

Best advice given to me:  You gotta do what you gotta do

My life motto:  Love God – Love Others

Three people I would like to have dinner with:  My Wife, My Son, My Daughter

Heroes:  I would say Jesus, but he’s so much more than just a hero. He’s my Lord, my Father, and friend. So if we’re talking about earthly hero’s, it would have to be the following people:

Dr. Gordon Anderson my College President

Dave Pedde my College professor and mentor

Mrs. Mooney my 5th Grade teacher

Bobby Peterson – MN native Jazz musician