Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell Opens Up About His Past on The Breakfast Club

Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell, founder of Atlanta’s 2819 Church, shared his personal testimony during an interview on The Breakfast Club on October 14, 2026. While promoting his new book, CONTEND, Mitchell opened up about his past and the life changes that led him into ministry.

Mitchell spoke about growing up in Queens, New York, where he spent much of his early life running the streets. He also shared that he spent his 18th birthday on Rikers Island.

During the interview, Mitchell was honest about the difficulty of leaving his old lifestyle behind. He explained that he enjoyed the life he was living and that surrendering his own desires to follow God's will was painful at first. His story highlights the personal struggle that can come with turning away from destructive choices and pursuing a new direction through faith.

He also discussed the spiritual conviction that led him away from a dangerous lifestyle and eventually toward preaching and planting a church.

The full 48-minute interview is available through the iHeartRadio app, the Breakfast Club Power 105.1 FM YouTube channel, and Netflix. The conversation offers a closer look at Mitchell’s testimony, his transition into ministry, and the story behind his book, CONTEND.