A bit about me…

Not long ago, I came across a little spiral notebook from middle school where I set out to answer, “What is the meaning of life?” Forty-five years later, I’m not sure I’m any closer to an answer, but I’m still passionate about the question.

In between then and now, I went to college and studied business. After graduation I got a management trainee job with a big company. Hated it. I went to South Africa for a year to rethink my life. Loved it. Came home and without really knowing why, I went to seminary and got a master’s in Divinity.

Yes, you can get a master’s in divinity! Turns out it doesn’t make you any more divine, though. It does, however, qualify you to be a pastor, and that’s what I did (reluctantly at first) for about twenty years at a big, busy, amazing Presbyterian church in Denver. It was a great place for my wife (who married me on condition that I would not become a pastor, but that’s another story) and me to raise our two kids. And it stretched me in ways I never expected.

Then in May of 2024, I decided to hang up my robe and try some new things, which has turned into all of this. Basically, I now help people live more attuned to, and trusting of, that great Mystery that’s all around us. I guess it’s not the same as knowing the meaning of life…it might actually be better.

I call what I do Soul Work and I write about it here on Substack. I also do one-on-one Soul Work Coaching (in-person and online), and I lead retreats. You can message me directly for more information below.

I look forward to connecting with you,

Ian

The Open Gate is an assumed name of The Spotted Towhee, LLC.