Reached in Park City this week, the 60-year-old real-estate broker explained that back then, his problem was alcohol and drug addiction. Through many rehab visits and the 12-step program, he realized he needed to find a higher power and that there must be something out there greater than himself. 

"Being the low-bottom drunk that I was, I started going around to churches," said Reems, who was raised Jewish. "I called myself a church gypsy."

No book, no amount of scripture or prayer would be his answer. He said what he needed was to meet someone who would touch his heart. That person turned out to be the Rev. Mark Heiss, a former pastor with Park City Community Church, a United Methodist congregation. 

Something about Heiss spoke to him, so Reems went full throttle. He converted to Christianity, joined and got active in the church, eventually serving on the board of trustees. 

It didn't take long for Reems, now sober for 18 years, to become disillusioned. Heiss was abruptly replaced by someone else, for reasons Reems says were never explained. He soon began seeing the church differently. It no longer appeared to be "about the people," he said.

Rather, it was "about putting money in the coffers." So he walked away. But he took with him his spirituality. Today, outside organized religion, he continues to meditate, pray and offer gratitude to God.

"If I didn't put God in my life, I'd be dead now," he said. "I am not religious. I'm spiritual, 100 percent."