By Erik Cave, Director of NextGen Ministries, PacNWC
Enjoy this interview with Ben Zable, who just started at Shoreline Covenant Church as the new Lead Pastor.
What is your personal and ministry background?
I grew up in the Covenant, as the son of a Covenant pastor. We moved all over North America throughout my childhood, from Illinois to California to Alaska to Washington to Saskatchewan to Rhode Island. I went to North Park University for undergraduate studies and worked at Pilgrim Pines for four summers during college. After graduating from NPU I served as a Youth Pastor in Connecticut for two years, before getting married and moving back to Chicago to study at NPTS. While in Chicago my wife, Dre, and I served at Resurrection Covenant Church in part-time capacities with worship and outreach. After spending 2 years in Chicago we moved to Michigan where I took a Youth Pastor position while finishing up seminary at a distance. After 6 years there, graduating with my MDiv from NPTS, and getting ordained I transitioned to serve as a Lead Pastor in South Dakota. After five years there my family made the transition to Washington at the beginning of August. We are excited to become a part of the community at Shoreline Covenant Church and the larger church family that is the Pacific Northwest Conference!
What are you passionate about in ministry right now?
Right now I am passionate about learning. There is so much to learn in a new church and context. I am excited to know people and be known by them! I am also passionate about sharing with them from God’s Word. I love sharing my heart and helping scripture come alive in new ways. Lastly, I am excited to dream with my leaders and staff. I can’t wait to see what God is leading us toward and who God is calling us to reach in our community!
How can we pray for you?
I would love if you would pray for my family as we continue the adjustment away from a place we knew and where we were known. Please pray for God’s wisdom for me as I seek to lead and shepherd with grace and truth. Please pray for Shoreline Covenant Church as we walk into the future that God has laid out before us. May we be faithful to follow wherever the Spirit leads us, whether it’s beside quiet waters or raging rivers.
Five things you didn’t know about Ben:
1. Where is your favorite place to be?
At the campfire in the backyard with my wife
2. What is your favorite thing to do?
It’s a toss-up between playing soccer and sitting at a campfire
3. What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
I worked the afternoon shift at a bakery when I was in high school. I was allowed to eat as much as I wanted of anything that we made in house. I ate a lot of donuts…
4. What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
Professional soccer player, although that wouldn’t be a reality. I guess I’l stick with my day job.
5. What are your three most overused words/phrases?
Right now it’s “transition” and “season”
[Click Here] to visit Ben’s Facebook page
[Click Here] to visit the Shoreline Covenant Church web page