Holy Faith Church, Lutheran and Episcopal, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Pastor Ian grew up in northern California and came to Michigan in 1995 to get a masters degree in fiction writing at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. After completing that work, he stayed on to teach undergraduate creative writing and to act as Assistant Director of the graduate program. That experience made him realize how much he loved teaching--the opportunity to cultivate the gifts and coach the growth of others--and it was that love which began to stir up in him the call to become a minister.

He did not grow up in the church, but came to it on his own in his late twenties. This experience has been important to him in his work to make the church relevant to contemporary life. He did his seminary work at Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit, and most recently at Seabury-Western in Evanston, IL. He became the pastor of Holy Faith in January 2007.

Pastor Ian says "My vision for Holy Faith is that it be a place of great service and connection to the community and the world, and also of deep spiritual engagement and welcome for all who enter its doors." As the pastor, he has worked to empower congregation members to do the ministry to which they feel called, both as individuals and as the church together.

Pastor Ian, his wife, and their three children live in Ann Arbor. He enjoys being with his family, riding his scooter, running, reading, soccer, and playing jazz piano.