Our Story
In 2019, Pastor Ben moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan to begin work that addresses the growing need we see in the Church of the Nazarene - the exodus of young adults from their faith, espfically during the Emerging Adulthood phase of life (18-25). This ministry builds off the groundwork begun by the Cheslea Church of the Nazarene several years prior. The result is the formation of the Eastern Michigan District Campus Ministry (EMD Campus Ministry).
This ministry serves our young people by helping them find faith communities once they move away from home and enter college. It also facilitates the passions and desires of young adults to see changes in their communities by helping them be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Our Director
Pastor Ben is a Michigan native, growing up in Grand Rapids and being a part of the Church of the Nazarene since he was born.
Having faced several existential questions once he graduated High School and entered adulthood, Pastor Ben is familiar with the challenges faced by our Emerging Adults and the desire to be a part of something bigger than filling a chair every week at church.
Pastor Ben has worked in ministry for over 10 years, has sserved as a travelling preacher in a college ministry he co-founded (the Preaching Ambassadors) which still operates today, travelled overseas to Africa and Asia on several mission trips, lived as a missionary in East Africa while conducting his Master's research, and served as a pastor in Gagetown, Michigan until he began working in Young Adult ministry in Ypsilanti.
He enjoys spending time with young adults, serving others, teaching, spending time with his wife Ashley and their dog Bella, hiking, camping, and working outdoors.
He has an Associates in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design, a Bachelors in Biblical Studies from Olivet Nazarene University, and a Master's in Family Ministry from Olivet Nazarene University.
Our Young Adults
In recent decades, sociologists have recognized a growing trend among our young people. Traditional markers of adulthood in the early to mid-twenties; including things such as marriage, financial independence, and raising children, were being delayed. Instead, young adults have begun to pursue new goals such as personal enrichment, making a difference in the world, trying new things, and exploring their identity. Rather than being an extension of adolescence, or redefining what adulthood is, sociologists have begun referring to this phenomenon in the lives of 18-25 year olds as "Emerging Adulthood."
Instead of being "lazy," "disrespectful," or "selfish," our Emerging Adults are among the most ambitious, educated, connected, and active members of our society. In fact, one of the main motivations behind young adults leaving the Church is due to their desire to make a difference. Unfortunately, many see the Church as an organization more focused on buildings and programs than feeding the hungry. As a result, our young people are pursuing other avenues of service.
The EMD Campus Ministry seeks to be a means through which our Emerging Adults serve the Kingdom, while discovering who they are in Christ and fulfilling the command to "Go" into the world.
