Philip Anthony Mitchell is an American pastor, speaker, and author. He is the founder and lead pastor of 2819 Church, an Atlanta-based Christian ministry, and the founder of the 2819 Institute. He is also the author of Contend, a book about standing firm in the Christian faith. Mitchell’s public story includes a difficult early period, a religious conversion he has described in interviews, and the development of a church that has attracted a large audience in person and online.
Mitchell was born in Queens, New York, and later moved to the American South. He has spoken publicly about his past involvement in street life and legal trouble, and about the personal crisis that preceded his conversion. His account of those years comes primarily from his own interviews and testimony; this biography distinguishes his recollections from independently documented information.
Philip Anthony Mitchell: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Philip Anthony Mitchell |
| Known for | Pastor, speaker, and author |
| Birthplace | Queens, New York, United States |
| Current role | Founder and lead pastor of 2819 Church |
| Other organization | Founder of the 2819 Institute |
| Education | North Carolina Central University and Valor Christian College |
| Spouse | Lena Mitchell |
| Children | Two sons and two daughters |
| Book | Contend |
| Exact age | Not confirmed in the sources cited here |
Mitchell’s official biography identifies him as a native of Queens, the founder and lead pastor of 2819 Church, and the founder of the 2819 Institute. It also lists his education and family information. Philip Anthony Mitchell’s official biography
Early Life in Queens
Mitchell has described growing up in Queens in a family with Christian beliefs. In a recent interview on The Breakfast Club, he said his parents were immigrants from Trinidad and were believers, but that he did not share their faith when he was young. He has recounted becoming involved in street life as a teenager and facing serious legal trouble.
In that interview, Mitchell said he began selling drugs at 12, was involved in armed robberies as a teenager, and spent his 18th birthday on Rikers Island. These are accounts he shared about his own past; they should be understood as personal testimony rather than as a complete public record of his legal history. Mitchell’s interview on The Breakfast Club
Following his time in New York, Mitchell moved to North Carolina. He has said that he continued living a troubled lifestyle for years after the move. In interviews, he has described having money and material possessions while still feeling unhappy and disconnected from the purpose he later found in his Christian faith.
Mitchell’s account of his early life is an important part of his ministry story, but details about his parents, siblings, and childhood are not broadly documented in authoritative public biographies. This article does not speculate about those private matters.
Education
Mitchell graduated with honors from North Carolina Central University. He later earned a degree in Pastoral and Church Leadership from Valor Christian College, according to his official biography and the profile published by Radical.net.
His education provided a foundation for his later work in church leadership and ministry. Mitchell’s public teaching is centered on Christian scripture, discipleship, and the role of faith in everyday life. His ministry also uses digital platforms to share sermons and connect with people beyond Atlanta.
Religious Conversion and Ministry Beginnings
Mitchell has said that a turning point in his life came in November 2003, when he was in a moment of despair and contemplating suicide. The official Contend book website describes his conversion as taking place on a bathroom floor. Because this account is presented in his own ministry materials and interviews, it is best described as his testimony about his experience.
He has also discussed a significant religious experience during a 2018 trip to Israel. On his official biography, Mitchell says the trip deepened his concern about the direction of Christianity in America and strengthened his desire to speak publicly about his beliefs. His spiritual convictions are central to his public work and the messages he delivers through the church.
Mitchell has spoken about spending years preaching and learning how to lead a congregation. The Associated Press reported that 2819 Church began as a small gathering and that attendance later grew substantially. The report also noted Mitchell’s emphasis on scripture-focused preaching and the church’s appeal to younger adults. Associated Press reporting on 2819 Church
2819 Church and the 2819 Institute
Mitchell founded 2819 Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and serves as its lead pastor. The ministry’s name refers to Matthew 28:19, a passage associated with Jesus’ instruction to make disciples. The church describes its work as centered on biblical teaching, worship, evangelism, and discipleship.
The church’s growth has brought increased attention to Mitchell’s sermons and leadership. The Associated Press reported in December 2025 that the congregation had expanded from fewer than 200 attendees in 2023 to thousands of weekly worshippers, according to figures provided by the church. Attendance numbers can change, and estimates from the church should be treated as organization-reported figures rather than an independently audited count.
Alongside the church, Mitchell founded the 2819 Institute. His official biography describes it as part of his work equipping disciples and spreading the Gospel. The institute is connected to the broader ministry mission of developing people for Christian service and leadership.
Mitchell’s sermons and ministry content reach audiences through online video, audio, and social media. The online presence has helped extend the church’s visibility beyond its local congregation, while also making his preaching style and theological positions more widely discussed.
Author of Contend
Mitchell is the author of Contend, a Christian book focused on the biblical call to stand firm in faith. The book’s official website describes its central theme as contending for the faith in both the surrounding culture and one’s personal life. Its material is based on Mitchell’s Christian beliefs and interpretation of scripture.
The book’s publication and promotional site identify it as a release by W Publishing, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Its official page describes the book as an extension of Mitchell’s preaching and ministry, and includes discussion resources for readers and churches. Official Contend book website
Mitchell’s work as an author complements his role as a pastor. His sermons address Christian doctrine and practice, while the book offers readers a format for studying and discussing those themes outside a church service. As with any faith-based book, readers may interpret its arguments through their own religious traditions and perspectives.
Family and Personal Life
Mitchell has been married to his wife, Lena, since August 2004. His official biography says that they live in the Atlanta area and have two sons and two daughters. Lena is also involved in the family’s ministry life, though the couple generally keeps details about their children private.
There is no confirmed public source cited here for Mitchell’s exact date of birth or age. Likewise, no reliable source establishes his personal net worth. Online estimates should be treated cautiously unless they are supported by transparent financial records or credible reporting. His published biography and ministry work provide better-supported information about his public life than speculative numbers do.
Public Influence and Preaching Style
Mitchell is known for energetic, direct preaching that emphasizes scripture and personal commitment to Christian faith. The Associated Press described his sermons as intense and noted the church’s appeal among younger adults. Such descriptions reflect reporting on his public ministry, while individual listeners may respond to his style in different ways.
His story of leaving street life and becoming a pastor is a recurring part of his public testimony. Mitchell often connects his personal history to themes of repentance, faith, and change. He has also spoken about the difficulties he faced while building a ministry, including discouragement and periods when he questioned his ability to lead.
As his audience has grown, his statements and theological positions have received broader attention. This biography focuses on verifiable roles, education, and publicly shared accounts rather than offering a judgment on his religious teachings. Readers interested in his theology can review his sermons and publications directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Philip Anthony Mitchell?
Philip Anthony Mitchell is an American pastor, speaker, and author. He founded and leads 2819 Church in Atlanta and founded the 2819 Institute.
Where is Philip Anthony Mitchell from?
He is a native of Queens, New York. In a recent interview, he said his parents were immigrants from Trinidad.
What church does Philip Anthony Mitchell lead?
He is the founder and lead pastor of 2819 Church, an Atlanta-based Christian ministry.
What is the 2819 Institute?
It is an organization founded by Mitchell as part of his ministry work. His official biography describes its mission as connected to equipping disciples and spreading the Gospel.
Where did Philip Anthony Mitchell study?
He graduated with honors from North Carolina Central University and earned a degree in Pastoral and Church Leadership from Valor Christian College.
Who is Philip Anthony Mitchell’s wife?
His wife is Lena Mitchell. His official biography says they have been married since August 2004.
How many children does Philip Anthony Mitchell have?
His official biography says he and Lena have four children: two sons and two daughters.
What book did Philip Anthony Mitchell write?
He wrote Contend, a Christian book about standing firm in faith. The official book website provides details about its themes and publication.
How old is Philip Anthony Mitchell?
His exact birth date and age are not confirmed in the reliable sources cited here, so this biography does not give an age estimate.
What is Philip Anthony Mitchell’s net worth?
No verified public figure for his personal net worth is cited here. Online estimates should not be treated as confirmed financial information.
Final Word
Philip Anthony Mitchell’s public biography brings together a personal story of religious conversion, years of church leadership, and the growth of 2819 Church in Atlanta. He has also developed a public platform through preaching, ministry work, and his book Contend. The clearest account of his life relies on his own testimony for personal experiences and on official or reputable sources for education, roles, and organizational details.