pastor phyllis d. thompson-hilliard | founder

A pastor who loves the lord and a great latte! From supporting overseas mission trips, to events such as Winsome Ministries’ annual jazz brunch, writing books to elevate the conscience of both children “Manhood Bootcamp” and adults, “The Voice of the Mrs.,” Pastor Phyllis offers sanctuary and solace to all.

Born in our nations capital, to a woman who opted single parenthood in a time where such a choice could leave one ostracized, on the cusp of America’s Civil Rights Movement, before James Brown and Aretha Franklin became household names, and “Negroes on television” was as much of a phenomenon as a Black president, Pastor Phyllis learned resilience, conviction and the power of the spoken word as a little girl.

Time and God afforded her path to cross with women in the Faith who would serve as her spiritual foundation and teach her to yield to Christ as her anchor.

She learned that he was much more than that- he was also her Father and her closest friend. Winsome Ministries emerged from the mindset to “Win Some Souls to Christ,” a major part of her life’s purpose.

Proverbs 11:30 informs us that “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise.” Pastor Phyllis delights in serving the Lord and sharing his peace with others.

Whether in her home church, Perth Amboy, New Jersey’s Cathedral International, alongside her husband of 43 years, Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr., in Ghana or Haiti, you will find Pastor Phyllis in some capacity of service, be it in the field or the pulpit. She is truly vessel and servant of the Most High.

Winsome Ministries seeks to serve people through educating on career opportunities (Is There A Doctor in the House), literary publications, (Pastor Phyllis’ next book, “Butterbeans,” a memoir of her childhood summers in North Carolina debuts 2026) missions trips (most recently Pastor Phyllis served on a missions trip in Accra, Ghana), the annual Jazz Brunch (next April, Winsome will celebrate its 10th Jazz Brunch) and conferences (Winsome’s first conference, Carry the Legacy, Not the Luggage is slated for 2026).

We welcome opportunities to worship with you. Let’s connect and grow together!