Missioner, Phil Court

Philip Court combines parish ministry at St. Stephen’s Flemington with urban outreach in the inner north-western suburbs of Melbourne.

Phil and his wife Deb have been members of Scots’ Church since 2005, not long after their conversion to the Christian faith.  They have six adult children and two grandchildren.  Deb works for an aged care assessment service that also operates across the north-western suburbs.

Phil had over 30 years of association with the construction industry; first as a scaffolder, and later with WorkSafe Victoria.  He retired from WorkSafe to train full-time for the ministry and, on completion of his studies, he was licensed in 2011.

In his role as Missioner, Phil operates the Presbyterian and Scots’ Church Joint Mission which has been providing urban outreach and assistance since 1881.  It is based in St. Stephen’s church grounds, in Norwood Street Flemington.  He sees the Mission as a safe and friendly haven for anyone who is finding life a struggle.  The Mission is a “church to the unchurched,” and an opportunity for its team of dedicated volunteers to incarnate the living Christ as they minister to a diversity of people with various physical, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual needs.

As Pastor to the parish of Flemington and Kensington, Phil is keen to build St. Stephen’s capability as a vibrant and welcoming witness to the gospel of grace within an ethnically and socio-economically diverse community.  St. Stephen’s folk have longstanding and cordial relations with the other Christian churches in their community.  This is expressed in joint ventures such as a free weekly Flemington and Kensington Community Lunch, an annual Good Friday walk and an annual combined service of worship and carols in the lead-up to Christmas.  Phil hopes to further strengthen and diversify combined witness within the local community.

In his parish work, Phil is closely supported by the three Scots’ Church Session elders from St. Stephen’s; Mr Bob Farquarson, Mrs Bettie Harding and Mrs Shirley Kelham.  He operates under the general direction of the Scots’ Church Senior Minister, Rev. Douglas Robertson.

To contact Phil Court:

Phone:            0433 781 069