Pastor Phil's ministry areas include camps, campus ministries, companion synods, conference deans, specialized pastoral care, and rostered ministers transitioning into retirement. He also works with congregations in the call process. Phil grew up at Grace, Raleigh, and met his wife, Deb, while attending Lenoir-Rhyne. Following his graduation from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in 1993, he served in a team ministry at Cross and Crown, Matthews. Phil and Deb live on Lake Hickory and have three adult children and one grandchild. Together they enjoy traveling, boating, and hiking.