About Reverend Sara
I am a 21st century monastic and contemplative, which means my practice is centered in being in silence in the presence of God, meditation, mantra and doing one thing at a time.
I grew up in a Presbyterian home, going to church suppers, Sunday school and summer camps. I lost my mom when I was sixteen, and my world fell apart. After that I lost my faith for many years. In my early-thirties I learned about the unconditional love of God and started experiencing that. I stepped back in to contemplative Christianity – at the progressive edge of that tradition. From there I studied Buddhism, Jungian analysis and depth psychology, comparative mythology, Hinduism through The Bhagavad Gita and The Upanishads, and Taoism. In my seminary studies I dove into studying many of the world’s great traditions, which was a privilege.
My important teachers include Carl Jung, Cynthia Bourgeault, Eknath Easwaran, Ellen Grace O’Brien, Jesus, Joseph Campbell, Linda Orsak, Rumi, and The Buddha. I relate to life archetypally and through metaphor. Life is my guru and I listen at It’s feet.
Sara Gates
minister without walls
I’ve been married for more than twenty five years to a wonderful man named Homer, who is a musician, artist and builder. I’m human companion to a pack of deeply loved canines. I tend a butterfly garden in my backyard which reminds me that transformation is always possible. I have a few close friends who are very important to me. I enjoy a glass of wine with a good meal. I love being alive.
My brothers tell me when I was five years old I had a five-year plan. Following grad school, I worked in mergers & acquisitions which took me all over the world. Then I moved into high tech, working at start ups and some of the largest tech companies on the planet. I met a lot of amazing people and had an interesting time. I chased the executive titles, awards, recognition and paychecks. And then there came a point where this no longer made sense inside of me – my life wanted to change directions. So I said yes. I’m still saying yes.
My Values
Peace
This is my purpose. I offer myself as peace in the world.
Kindness
The worth of my life is better measured in kindness than productivity.
Simplicity
Living simply leaves me room to hear when Life is trying to get my attention.
Family
I prioritize family, including the family I have chosen.
Home
I am at home within myself. I value home so much I married a man named Homer
Health-oriented living
This one took its time joining the list. I’ve realized this is important to me and supports, well, everything.
Education
Undergraduate: University of Texas at Austin, B.B.A
Graduate: Vanderbilt University, M.B.A.
Seminary: One Spirit Interfaith Seminary, New York City, Ordination 2018
Post-Seminary Training: Spiritual Counseling and Spiritual Direction Certification, One Spirit Interfaith Seminary
Post-Doctorate training: Life, Life and more Life.