Phil Bradshaw grew up in an evangelical Christian family in the north of England. After reading classics at Oxford he worked for a number of years in the coal industry in Britain, during which time he became involved in the charismatic renewal. In 1974 he joined the Community of Celebration together with his family. In Britain, the Community was often better known by the name of its travelling teams, the Fisherfolk.

Over the years the Community saw many changes and developments as it gradually developed from a loosely structured body into a community modelled on the religious orders. In this time Phil was involved in various roles including teaching, writing, pastoral responsibility, business and charity administration. In 1991 he was ordained in the Anglican diocese of Southwark (south London) and in 1996 took life vows along with other members of the Community.

Although the Community of Celebration is now based at Aliquippa near Pittsburgh, Phil and his wife Margaret remain vowed members living in Britain 'on detached service', maintaining a Community house and keeping in regular contact with the parent Community in the USA. In recent years Phil has developed an interest in interpreting the 'community' experience and reflecting on the way it has affected spiritual and theological outlook.