The Story

In 2000, Potter’s Inn was established by Steve and Gwen Smith with focus on care of the soul–to help usher individuals into an understanding of their own lives, personal histories and journeys as they search to find the great love of God. Potter’s Inn seeks to help shepherd people into a place of understanding how the small story of our individual lives is woven together with the larger story of God’s love for us and the ultimate design for us as children of God.

The Soul Care Institute

After co-founding Potter's Inn, Steve and Gwen realized the need for a training program that would help empower these leaders to care for themselves fully before reaching the point of burnout. The Soul Care Institute was born out of that need and is a resource to train and equip leaders to extend hope, care and well-being to a needy world in both the spheres of ministry and the marketplace. 

In 2014, Steve and Gwen approached Joe Walters, Dean of Spiritual Formation at Colorado Christian University, to take on the task of crafting and developing the Institute. Joe became the Executive Director of The Soul Care Institute.

On July 1, 2020, the Soul Care Institute came out from under Potter’s Inn and transitioned to new leadership with Kaylene Derksen as President.

The Institute continues to be open  to anyone who feels they have grown tired and weary. The world has become a volatile place for all humanity. Our hearts, callings, and passions are assaulted on a daily basis. In the midst of all this chaos we lose part of our soul. The Soul Care Institute exists to help rediscover it.