ABOUT

Matthew Laidlaw is a Student, Teacher, Pastor, Author, and Spiritual Director.

Matthew is the Director + Lead Teacher of Open Circle, an “inclusively-Christian” spiritual community he cofounded in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is an ordained minister and has been serving in executive and administrative leadership in both school and church based pastoral ministry for the past 15 years. During this time, Matthew has had the honor of supporting, caring for, and guiding countless individuals through life’s complex joys and sorrows [tragedy, celebration, relationship crisis, illness, births, deaths, weddings, etc.]

Matthew is a graduate of Kuyper College, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, and the Living School for Action and Contemplation, where he spent two years learning from Cynthia Bourgeault, James Finley, and Richard Rohr. Matthew has also lived in the Middle East, studying at both Jerusalem University College and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

He is a certified trainer for the International Institute for Restorative Practices, and has served on the Editorial Board of the Institute for Youth Ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary. Matthew has partnered with the Fuller Youth Institute at Fuller Theological Seminary on various projects, including his book, How We Read the Bible: 8 Ways to Engage the Bible With Our Students [2018].

Matthew has worked as an adjunct instructor of Bible, co-guided pilgrimage experiences to Israel, designed and led group retreats in Northern Michigan, and presented at churches, schools, and conferences, most notably by invitation from The National Youth Workers Convention, The Christian Educators Association Convention, Mars Hill Bible Church, Calvin Theological Seminary, and the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church.

He has curated and executed inclusive, light-hearted, and educational events, in partnership with nationally recognized personalities, such as Dan Allender, Ruth Haley Barton, Sarah Bessey, Tony and Peggy Campolo, Shane Claiborne, Mark Charles, Kenda Creasy Dean, Glennon Doyle, Michael and Lisa Gungor, Brian McLaren, Scot McKnight, Kara Powell, and Andrew Root.

Matthew enjoys reading, running, jokes, and outdoor adventures with his wife, Stephanie, and their two young children.