Ben grew up going to Ballyholme Presbyterian Church, and subsequently on to Ballyholme Parish (Church of Ireland) after his parents left the church. He recently graduated from Queen's University Belfast with a degree in Law and has gone straight into ministry, where he felt called by the Lord. Before this he worked part-time in a shop.

Ben has been community outreach worker at Ballycrochan since mid-August 2022, trying to help the congregation engage with a younger generation. 

A large part of his role is in providing support to church-based organisations, with a goal to help more people engage in gathered worship on Sundays. In these organisations, he works with young people through biblical teaching, as well as with their parents through gospel-oriented conversations and the building of relationships. In addition, he also gets involved with school assemblies and the work of Scripture Union in local schools.

The congregation has established a drop in where young people from a variety of backgrounds attend and are able to hear brief snippets from Mark's gospel each week, as well as enjoying the odd trip. Ben also attempts to run larger events for the community, such as Messy Church.

Reflecting on the role, Ben writes:

"This role has provided me a variety of opportunities to share the gospel with a variety of people. I don't yet know the impact of that but for me this is more than just a job. I draw on God's Word in my work, as well as prioritise prayer and lean heavily on Christ. Together with my minister, we start the week with devotions, which helps me stay focused and intentional with the time I am given. Without these spiritual disciplines, the work would merely be of the flesh, I seek to live to the higher standard that church leaders are called to in all that I do".

Prayer Points

• Pray for patience: I don't want to do things based on my own understanding. Instead, I want to wait in the Lord to ensure that it's his will being done and not mine.
• Pray to avoid burnout: ministry is busy and demanding. Please pray that I could find God's rest so that my soul may be refreshed by the gospel fountain of Christ Jesus.
• Pray that I seek to preach the gospel and stand firm in my faith.
• Pray for glory to be given to God. Pray that people in the church and outside could catch a glimpse of God's glory so that we may all fall on our faces in worship.