As a relative newcomer to Odessa and a first-time senior pastor, the Rev. Ben Ford enjoys spicing his sermons with Bible stories and pursuing his lifelong ambition of helping people.
Pastor of Grace Christian Fellowship for 15 months, the Rev. Ford wants not only to help lead his church but also to reach out into the community. “I try to get to Jesus in every sermon and make the Bible come alive in different ways,” he said.
“More than preaching on themes, I love to tell stories from the Bible and let those speak for themselves. I love serving and helping people and I’m taking steps to do that in the church and tp figure out what that looks like outside the church.”
The 34-year-old pastor is a native of Plymouth, Ind., who graduated from Ozark Christian Church in Joplin, Mo., and worked as a youth minister at non-denominational churches in Wichita, Kan., Monette, Mo., and Trinity, Fla., before reaching Odessa. His 3450 Billy Hext Road church averages 230 people at 10 a.m. Sunday. Ford and his wife Catelyn have five children.
His favorite Scripture is Psalm 27:1-3: “The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear. Though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.”
“It means that no matter what life throws at us, God will always be our stronghold,” Ford said.
He said the example of his grandfather, the Rev. Jerry Burkholder of Elkhart, Ind., was an inspiration to go into the ministry, as were his experiences growing up in North Liberty Church of Christ, northwest of Plymouth.
Liberty Church of Christ Family Minister Jody Healey said Ford “was looking to connect with people” even as a high school football linebacker, wrestler and pole vaulter.
“It has been really cool to watch Ben grow and develop,” Healey said. “He was a spirited young man looking to make a difference. He is very compassionate and connected. He is always up for challenges and not afraid to take the next step.”
