"Following the Spirit"

Pine Creek, Montana was my spiritual home as I grew up. We lived next door to the Pine Creek United Methodist Church in this rural community south of Livingston, Montana for 3 ½ years during my high school days. The nurture of God’s creation as experienced among the mountains of Montana is central to my spiritual journey. I was born in Harlem, Montana in a church parsonage. The church was a big part of my life since my father, Merle, was a pastor during my growing years. We also lived in Rapelje, MT; Agra, KS; Hoisington, KS; Winfield, KS; Pine Creek, MT (south of Livingston, MT); and Columbia Falls, MT (Where I graduated from high school.). Music and sports were an important part of my life in school. My mother Bernice, a music teacher, was a primary influence in my life. Growing up in a family with two sisters and a brother was a time of energy and affirmation. The summers in high school and college were spent working on farms and ranches in Montana and singing in a college quartet.

Education and Training

My training as a musician has been life-long. I graduated from Westmar College, LeMars, Iowa with a Bachelor of Music Education, majoring in trumpet and voice. My training as a pastor was grounded in the experience of attending and graduating from St. Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, Missouri. I served as a pastor in several churches in Utah and Colorado. I also served as the Council Director for the Rocky Mountain Conference during which time I received a certification by the University of Denver as a non-profit Executive. I retired in 2003 after serving for six years as a District Superintendent in the United Methodist Church. My training as a Spiritual Director was primarily through the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. I completed the Spiritual Guidance program in July, 2002. "My primary focus in life is trusting the spirit of God to lead me in care and service of others and the world.

Family

I am married to Elaine who is a Clinical Social Worker doing psychotherapy in Pueblo, Colorado. Following our marriage in 1967 we have lived in Ogden, Utah; Denver, Colorado; Las Animas, Colorado; and Pueblo, Colorado. We have one son, Soren, who lives in Denver, Colorado. Elaine often joins me in offering retreats and concerts.

I am available as a Spiritual Director, Spiritual Retreat Leader, and a Musician. I have produced three CDs that assist people on their spiritual journeys. You may get more information on the Music page of this website. You can contact me through my email johnphil@companionspirit.com or at 1307 Paseo Del Norte, Pueblo, CO 81008.