Ian became a Christian in 1973 and has been in church ministry since 1985. He began in inner-city London, then Bury St Edmunds, followed by Woking.

He has been Vicar of St Mary's since October 2012. He is half-time in Purton, and spends the remainder of his time overseeing the running of Stockton House in Fleet, Hampshire. Stockton House includes a Christian Conference Centre and a school.

Ian is helped by his wife, Celia, who has a talent for pastoral ministry. They have two children – George and Ruth.