Rev. Dr. Mathew Philip
Pastor Mathew Philip hails from ‘God’s own’ country—Kerala, a southern state of India. Born in Parakode, a remote village in the District of Pathanamthitta. Brought up within the Christian Brethren and Pentecostal tradition.
Graduated from Kerala University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree (B.Com.) in 1986. Involved in Christian ministry with Sharon Fellowship Church, Tiruvalla, Kerala, for a year. Obtained a Bachelor of Divinity degree (B.D.) from Southern Asia Bible College (SABC), Bangalore, in 1990. After a time of missionary ministry in North India for four years with the India Pentecostal Church (Northern Region, New Delhi), received a Master of Theology (M.Th.) in Missiology from the South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies (SAIACS), Bangalore, in 1995.
Since then, he served as the Dean of Students and Associate Professor of Missions and Ministry at Gospel For Asia Biblical Seminary (GFABS), Tiruvalla, Kerala. Authored four books on Christian missions, homiletics, and leadership, and engaged in writing several articles in journals and magazines.
Arrived in the U.S. in 2008 and now lives in Philadelphia with family and continues the ministry of preaching, teaching, and pastoring. Earned a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care (DMin) from the United Lutheran Seminary, Philadelphia, PA, in 2025. With 39 years of ministry experience, currently serving as the Senior Pastor of Shalem IPC New Jersey for 16 years, Spiritual Counselor with Caring Hospice Services at Fort Washington, PA, for 17 years & the Vice President of India Pentecostal Church (North America) Eastern Region (IPCER) for 6 years.