About the pastor
PASTOR PHILIP TOCKNELL
I retired from active ministry in 2022 after more than three decades of service. My pastoral appointments included serving as a student pastor from 1988 to 1992 at Ijamsville and Wesley Chapel in the Frederick area while attending seminary. In 1992, I was appointed to Grace UMC in Baltimore County and Greenmount UMC in Carroll County. By 1996, Greenmount had grown into a full-time appointment. In 2002, I was appointed to Baldwin Memorial UMC in Anne Arundel Cow1ty. Since retirement in 2022, I have been helping Glen Bmnie UMC and supply preaching for pastors on vacation or family leave. Along with non-member funerals and weddings.
I felt called to ministry at a very young age. Although I was raised in the Episcopal Church, my path to ordained ministry took an unexpected turn. In high school, I met the love of my life, who was a United Methodist. While she joined the Episcopal Church, her heart remained rooted in the United Methodist tradition. I earned my undergraduate degree in Religion and Philosophy, with a minor in History, and married my high school sweetherui just one week after graduation.
Initially, I pursued ordination in the Episcopal Church but was turned down due to my age and lack of experience. Soon after, we began attending Grace UMC in Gaithersburg, Maryland, where Rev. Robert Rodeffer became a mentor and guiding influence. Where one door had closed, another opened-true to the United Methodist spirit of "Open Doors"-and I was warmly welcomed. I was encouraged to attend Wesley Theological Seminary, where I earned my Master of Divinity.
During my time as a student pastor at Ijamsville and Wesley Chapel, I was blessed by the encouragement and support of faithful members who helped shape my early ministry. Teaching and preaching have always been my greatest passions. I am a storyteller at heart, striving to connect the truths of Scripture with everyday life in meaningful and practical ways. Many have described me as a "Bible preacher," a title I cherish.
Family has always been a central source of joy and strength in my life. My wife and I will celebrate our 49th anniversary this year, and her steadfast support has been invaluable throughout my ministry. We are blessed with a son, Jonathan, his wife Rebecca, and our two grandsons, Owen (10) and Ethan (8), who live in Gambrills. Our daughter, Emily, her husband Kyle, and our granddaughter Abby (14 months) live in Annapolis near the Naval Academy Stadium.
In retirement, I enjoy traveling, reading, participating in book clubs, attending my grandsons' sporting and school events, and following the Washington Commanders.