Ben was called to FOPC in 2017 to serve as co-pastor alongside his wife and best friend, Hailey. Before moving to Illinois, his career in ministry took him all over the country, serving at a variety of churches from South Texas to Manhattan to the Gulf Coast of Florida. He was formally educated at Trinity University in San Antonio where he earned a BA in English, followed by Princeton Theological Seminary from which he graduated in 2010. He is presently working toward a Doctorate of Ministry in Preaching from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago.
Ben’s goal as a pastor is to cultivate depth: to encourage deeper understanding of theology and Scripture; to deepen relationships between church and community as well as within the church itself; to increase the radical sense of hospitality and inclusivity and justice to which God calls anyone who would dare to follow Jesus; and to deepen our view of all people, beneath the superficial dividing lines to behold the image of God in everyone. To know Ben is to know how much he loves God and people.
And grilling. Ben really loves grilling, a passion dating back to his formative years in Texas. He also loves running around outdoors and hiking new trails, trying his best to practice yoga when no one else is looking, and spending time with his family.
