With brief exceptions, Phil has been employed by non-profit missions or educational institutions since graduating from high school. A few sources for illustrations from his life include growing up in the South, doing prison ministry, farming, serving on church leadership teams, being the youngest member of a large family, and being a husband to Twila, father and grandfather. Phil's favorite moments as a teacher come when he sees the light of new understanding dawn on the face of a student, or when a student asks a question that shows deep insight or engagement with the Scripture.