Fr. Burch was raised in Chugiak, Alaska, where his family helped found a small, semi-rural mission congregation. He attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, where he studied Religion and Russian Language as well as Music. Directly after graduating, he began Master of Divinity studies at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. He graduated in 2004, was endorsed for healthcare ministry and served as a chaplain for 8 years. He ministered in hospice, intensive care, and emergency clinical areas. He was ordained to the priesthood in January 2014 by the Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Lee and called as the Associate Rector at St. Chrysostom’s in Chicago.
Ian began as rector of St. Mark’s, Milwaukee on January 1, 2016. He is particularly interested in church growth and finding clever ways for parishes to serve God in tangible ways in the community. He is also interested in how holy liturgy shapes us for Christ’s service in the world as well as the different ways a parish can be a powerful partner with other local community organizations for the support and aid of those in need. Following his eight years at St. Mark’s, he completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at The General Theological Seminary in New York and accepted a call as rector of St. Chrysostom’s.
He lives with his husband Travis, a social worker and therapist, and their dog Captain Fantastic. They have recently travelled to Stockholm, Copenhagen, Dublin, Montreal, and Puerto Vallarta. They’d like to see the whole world.