Ben hails from the state of Michigan—the land of fresh water, endless sand dunes, the Detroit Red Wings, and the Michigan State Spartans. After studying voice performance, opera, and music theater at Northwestern University, he began work at University Reformed Church (URC) in East Lansing, MI—first as the Campus Ministry Director for 10 years and then as the Associate Pastor for 8 years. During his time at URC, Ben received his Master of Divinity at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
Ben met his wonderful wife Kim when she joined the URC campus staff team two years after he arrived. They have been happily married since 2001. The Lord has blessed them with 6 children, the youngest of whom has Down syndrome. Ben loves to bike, sing, play games, read, try to grow things outside, and do just about anything with his family.