04/13/2026
Hi FPC Youth Family! After much prayer and discernment, I want to share that I am in the process of stepping into a new role on our church’s pastoral team as Associate Pastor of Young Adults and Discipleship. For some time now, I have been discerning where God might be calling me next in ministry and through this opportunity, I am excited to grow in new ways, embrace new challenges, and continue serving this church community that Matt and I have been so blessed to find.
At the same time, this transition is deeply bittersweet, because it means stepping out of my role as Director of Youth and College Ministries. Leading this ministry has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. When I think back on those early days coming out of the pandemic and all that God has grown in this program since, I feel nothing but gratitude. These five years have been some of the most meaningful, fulfilling, and transformative of my ministry and my life, and I will always carry the relationships and memories we have shared together.
The good news is that this is not a full goodbye, because I will still be very much around! You will still see me on Sundays, and while I will not be as directly involved in the week-to-week rhythms of youth ministry, I will remain connected, especially with our Impact Trips. Lauren will also be stepping into the lead Associate Pastor role in Youth and College Ministry, and I could not be more grateful to know this program will be in the most capable and faithful hands!
To our youth and alumni, I love you dearly. Even though my role is changing, my care for you does not. To our parents and families, thank you for trusting me with your teenagers. And to our church family, thank you for supporting me through these years and for continuing to give me a place to grow in this next season.
My last youth group will be May 17, and I will continue serving through the summer, with July 31 marking my final day in this role. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all, and thanks be to God. Love always and I’ll see you around. :) — Ben