Sensing a call to seminary, Ben is immersing himself in ministry opportunities at Northwestern. A Christian education major with a youth ministry emphasis, Ben worked as a junior high youth intern at American Reformed Church in Orange City during his freshman year, and is currently a senior high youth intern at Maurice Reformed Church in a nearby town. He’s traveled to Northern Ireland and Texas on Spring Service Projects. Ben is also a campus leader serving the Northwestern community in roles such as resident assistant and discipleship leader in West Hall and teaching assistant for religion professor Dr. Michael Andres.

A place to grow
“I chose Northwestern because of its Christian atmosphere. Attending a public school in a big city, I didn’t have the most conducive environment for spiritual growth. Northwestern has offered me that kind of place. It’s a place that affirms my faith and encourages me, but also challenges and gently convicts me to question my faith, analyze what I believe and not settle for easy answers.”

Teaching ministry
“I most appreciate the professors who stop at nothing to make sure my faith is a central part of my learning. They are wonderful people who truly care for and minister to their students.”

A firm foundation
“Majoring in Christian education has given me a good, biblical foundation for life. I’ve discovered that what’s important is not being the best at Bible trivia, but being able to think about and wrestle with theological issues. Although I’m unsure where my seminary years will take me, I know my education from Northwestern has prepared me for whatever plans God has for my life.”