About Potter's Inn

2023

Substack becomes an outlet to share Stephen's poetry

Stephen publishes his articles, prose and poems on Substack as a way to share the message of soul care and begins to publish in poetry

2021

Steve publishes Life 30 Days with the Potter-a daily mediation

Stephen and Peter Ivey co-authored Solo: Creating Space with God and the “State of the Soul” tool were published.

2019

The Smith’s move to North Carolina to reposition and begin the transition for retirement.

2018- Winter

Soul Care launches a new Cohort.

The Soul Care Institute grows and gains traction by offering six cohorts of market leaders and ministry leaders for six retreats over two years. A new cohort is launched in Holland, Michigan to launch in 2019.

2018- Spring

The Board of Potter’s Inn had a “holy encounter” in a one day retreat with their wise companion, Sister Mary Collen Schwartz, a Benedictine Sister. This “epiphany” offered clear, and courageous action to reorganize the ministry, sell the retreat center and launch the Soul Care Institute as it’s own entity with new leadership.

2017- Winter

The Board of Potter’s Inn, along with Steve and Gwen, began a year of discernment that led to a new ministry model centered on online learning. A podcast was launched, reaching people in 80 countries. They also commissioned a sculpture by Scott Stearman of hands shaping clay, symbolizing mentoring, spiritual direction, and soul care.

2017-Spring

Soul Care Institute’s first cohort graduate, with certifications from Fuller Theological Seminary. A 2nd Soul Care Institute location is established in North Carolina. Inside Job, Steve’s 7th book, is being published in Spanish by Intervarsity Press.

2016

Inside Job is published, along with a Companion Workbook. Soul Care 101 series on DVD and online streaming is launched, featuring Steve & Gwen’s introduction to the core concepts of soul care.

2015

Soul Care Institute launches its first 2-year co-hort, to train those who want to model and teach others about soul care in the workplace and church space.

2014

The vision to create the Soul Care Institute develops to offer training in a cohort model with multiple experts in their field as teachers to leaders to expand the ministry of soul care around the world.

2012

Several churches, organizations contract with Potter’s Inn to offer soul care to global workers. The Jesus Life is published, endorsed by Dallas Willard, Steve’s mentor.

2010

Potter’s Inn at Aspen Ridge is dedicated: the completion of the Barn renovation. Monthly Sunday Nights at the Inn begin, averaging 30 or more people with dinners and fireside chats.A Team is formed with our first Team member joining us. Soul Custody is published by David C. Cook.

2008

The Lazarus Life is published by David C. Cook along with a study guide and becomes a best-seller. Published in eight languages, this ‘global book’ opens more doors for the ministry. Soul Care Days are launched at Potter’s Inn, held 1-2 days per month.

2007

A $25,000 grant and two $100,000 gifts funded the Barn renovation, marking key milestones toward a retreat and training center for soul care. At the same time, Stephen and Gwen faced strong resistance to the message, making it a difficult season for both them and the ministry.

2006

The Transformation of a Man’s Heart along with four study guides is published by IVP.$500,000 is raised from donors to begin renovating the Barn at Aspen Ridge into the Lodge for Potter’s Inn. Embracing Soul Care is published by Kregel Publications.

2005

Churches around the country begin supporting Potter’s Inn. Artist Clay Enoch is commissioned to create the “Forming Hands” sculpture, used in soul care sessions.

2004

Soul Shaping is published, describing spiritual formation based upon the timeless image of the potter and clay.

2003

A 35-acre ranch of Aspen Ridge is purchased in Divide, Colorado as the future home and ministry hub of Potter’s Inn. The donors of Potter’s Inn contributed the funds necessary. Potter’s Inn ministry was offered in a real working barn. Potter’s Inn became a 501C3 and became able to receive donations as a non-profit.

2002

A vision for Soul Care Intensives was formed, leading to one-day Soul Care Retreats across the country. A Board of Directors was established, and the Smiths raised support to launch the work, which has since grown into a global ministry through the generosity of donors.

2000

Steve and Gwen Smith resign from their pastorate of a church, leave North Carolina, arrive in Colorado and, by faith, launch Potter’s Inn from their home.

1997

Steve and Gwen Smith receives a clear, compelling and consuming vision of Potter’s Inn, including details about a place of soul care & training, all the way down to a fireplace in a great room. The Smith’s were pastoring their final pastorate in North Carolina.