Phil Neighbors holds a BA in Religion degree from Oklahoma Baptist University, a Masters in Biblical Studies from Criswell College and a DMin from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was Founder and co-senior pastor of the 4,000 member Valley Baptist Church, Bakersfield, CA for 36 years until his retirement in January of 2022. While at Valley, Dr. Neighbors preached in the Middle East, France, Scotland, Kosovo, Northern Ireland, El Salvador, Mexico, Trinidad, Brazil, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, spending a cumulative year on the mission field. He oversaw over twenty church plants while at Valley and mentored over 40 young men and women who now serve as pastors, missionaries and seminary professors. His theological expertise includes Old Testament and Church History. He and his wife Cindy reside in Bakersfield, CA. and have two children and six grandchildren.