Worldview Series: Dr. Wintley Phipps - “The Power of a Dream” - Photogallery

Written by Ellie Sterenberg ’17
Photography by James DeVries ’16

As part of the 2015 Worldview Series, Trinity had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Wintley Phipps, world-renowned gospel singer and Founder/CEO of the U.S. Dream Academy.

The audience was blessed by his booming baritone voice as he belted out an array of songs that included a lineup of some of the best-loved hymns and spirituals. Equally moving was Phipps’ progression through life, which he told by interlacing song and story.

Phipps’ voice is a gift that has allowed him to meet influential people and become an influential person in the lives of others. He has sung for the likes of Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, and the past six presidents of the United States. After a flight attendant brought him to the attention of Cliff Barrows, Phipps spent much of his life touring on the Billy Graham Crusades and has also sung and worked with hymn composer George Beverly Shea. Phipps has also been an influence in the life of Oprah Winfrey.

After meeting Chuck Colson, Phipps accompanied him on several trips to prisons. His interest was piqued, and after digging into some statistics, he found that 70% of children whose parents had been in jail would also likely end up in jail in their lifetime. This was a turning point for Phipps, as it helped him discover his passion: providing children whose parents have been incarcerated with a support system of strong, caring adults that can serve as examples of God’s love; show them how to be people of character; and provide them with the confidence and affirmation that it takes to succeed.

This is the chief goal of the U.S. Dream Academy, which stresses eight dimensions of character, based on those found in 2 Peter 1. Dr. Phipps listed these as faith, moral integrity, wisdom, patience, self-control, respect for what is sacred, kindness, and love. The Academy seeks to build dreams and provide academic help to disadvantaged students, ultimately training up leaders and helping people see and become who God created them to be.

Those in attendance were blessed by Phipps’ powerful voice, message, and passion for bringing up people of character.