A lifelong Minnesotan, Phil graduated from North High in Minneapolis in 1963. At age 17, he enlisted in the National Guard and received his commission as an Army officer in 1966. After graduating from the University of Minnesota in 1970, he took a position a hospital representative for Novartis Pharmaceuticals. The same year he married his college sweetheart Annie Haviland.

In 1980, Phil gave his life to Jesus Christ and began serving in the ministry of helps at Living Word as department head over the usher ministry. Phil became licensed and ordained by Living Word in 1986. Two years later he left his position in the pharmaceutical industry and entered the ministry to serve as pastor of Triumphant Life Church in Willmar, Minnesota.

In 1994, Phil released pastoral oversight of Triumphant Life Church and began his own ophthalmic surgical supply business. Five years later, he joined the pastoral staff of Living Word where he lead the community outreach department.

Leadership has always been his passion. The experience Phil gained from U.S. Army Ranger School and numerous other leadership development courses has placed him in positions of mission responsibility throughout his military and civilian career.

The Winns have three grown children, Buddy who married Collette (Fearing) Winn, Matthew who married Lori (Johnson) Winn, and Monica who married Max Farrand. They have gifted Phil and Annie with eight grandchildren.