A scrivener by trade, and previously a member of a General Baptist church, Winnel [sometimes Whinnel] was admitted to membership in the Broadmead Church in 1680, after publicly acknowledging his adherence to the doctrines of the 1677 London Confession. He was released to serve as pastor at Taunton in 1682, representing the church in 1689 and 1692. He died in 1720. He was known for his "piety, zeal, and success".