Ben was born and raised in Seattle, WA and grew up in the Episcopal Church. Ben graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Business. In 2000, three days after graduating, Ben moved to Jackson Hole to ski for the winter. He ended up staying for three years and worked at the Presbyterian Church of Jackson Hole as an intern assisting the youth and young adult ministry until 2003. At that time he returned to Seattle and met his wife, Addie, and started seminary while working as a project manager for a real estate development firm. He also worked as a project manager at a start-up Biofuel company. While in Seattle, Ben and Addie were involved in the life of University Presbyterian Church where Ben served as a seminary intern. In 2009 Ben and Addie welcomed their first child into the world. A few weeks later he graduated from Fuller Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity. Although Ben dabbled in business, his true calling has always been as a Pastor. Ben joined PCJH as Associate Pastor in September 2010. Addie and Ben welcomed their second child into the world in early 2014. Ben was called in the Spring of 2014 by the congregation and the Presbytery of Wyoming to succeed PCJH’s beloved Founding Pastor of 20 years, Rev. Dr. Paul Hayden. Ben now serves as the second Senior Pastor in PCJH’s history. In 2016 Ben and Addie adopted their third child. Proverbs 3:5-7 has always been a significant life verse for Ben, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” Ben enjoys skiing, hiking, cycling, traveling, cooking, reading, playing and listening to music, and spending time with friends and family.
