Bishop Ronald Eugene Chipp

Bishop Ronald Eugene Chipp passed away on March 4, 2026, at the age of 69. Born on October 20, 1956, in Brunswick, Georgia, to Donald and Elouise Chipp of Detroit, Michigan, he grew up surrounded by the love of his family.

Ronald attended Cass Technical High School in Detroit, where he met Phyllis, the love of his life. They shared 48 years of marriage, a deeply connected and inseparable bond that brought him constant joy. He was a devoted and present father to Aaron and Autumn, offering them unwavering support and strength, and he cherished his three grandchildren, Brave, Justice, and Sophia, who were the delight of his life.

A former Marine and Vietnam-era veteran, Ronald attained the rank of Corporal and qualified as a sharpshooter. After his military service, he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Detroit. He worked in the defense and automotive industries, securing several patents in electrical engineering design. Gifted in computers and electronics, he found satisfaction in research and development before answering a higher call.

Ronald’s true passion was ministry. He graduated as salutatorian from the charter class of Word of Faith School of Ministry, where he became known for encouraging his fellow students with the phrase, “Let’s go away praising God,” words that continue to close every worship service at Faith Harvest Church. He served as assistant pastor at Word of Faith International Christian Center in Detroit under Bishop Keith Butler, then founded Faith Harvest Church in Saginaw, Michigan, in 1995. A Bible-teaching, soul-winning, and missions-focused church, it reflected his heart for the Gospel. Ronald traveled to some of the world’s most challenging places, preaching and holding open-air crusades in Uganda, Tanzania, Congo, South Sudan, Nigeria, Paris, London, and French Guyana. He founded the Faith Harvest Medical Clinic in Kampala, Uganda, led medical mission teams, and established several churches in Uganda and Tanzania. He was later ordained a Bishop by Bishop Keith Butler.

Bishop Ronald Chipp was a leader at home and in ministry, known for his wisdom, honesty, integrity, and great sense of humor. He loved music, westerns, and nature hikes, and his favorite saying, “Be wise,” became a guiding principle for his family and congregation. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of love and faith.

He is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis Chipp; parents, Donald and Elouise Chipp of Detroit, Michigan; son, Aaron (Tamar) Chipp of Spring Hill, Tennessee; daughter, Autumn (Gavin) Curran of Traverse City, Michigan; grandchildren, Brave Micah Chipp and Justice Arrow Chipp of Spring Hill, Tennessee, and Sophia Raine Curran of Traverse City, Michigan; brother, Dr. Gregory (Penny) Chipp of Saginaw, Michigan; sister, Dr. Cynthia (James) Cohen Anderson of Detroit, Michigan; and many other dear relatives and friends.