Greetings Oak Hill Church Family

​I am writing this to you hunkered down in our cabin room at Inspiration Point Bible Camp. The kids are asleep…finally…and it was an eventful day of fun, time outside, and being immersed in what God is doing through the ministry of IPoint. I am so thankful for this place that has shaped, equipped, and delivered so much to me during my lifetime. It’s so humbling and exciting to be able to give back in small ways like getting to speak at a week of camp. Right now, there are about 180 Junior High students here…it’s been a blast!
            As I think about the ways that God has used people and places to impact and influence my life, I don’t have to think too far before I get to Oak Hill. I am so thankful for the ways that God has used people, situations, and circumstances at Oak Hill to bring me to the place I am today. It seems like just yesterday that Jenilee and I showed up 8 years ago to begin attending Sunday worship with you. Both of us were struck by how this place reminded us of our home congregations we had while growing up. Both were vibrant and healthy, with solid Biblical teaching and authentic relationships that were intentional. It was like a magnet for us!
            Fast forward to Pastor Nick asking me if I would ever consider full-time pastoral ministry and if I would be interested in serving alongside of him at Oak Hill. God opened numerous doors to bring that about and it was your extreme generosity, love, and support that helped make that possible. I felt so valued by you that you would take such a risk to send me to seminary with the intended plan of having me come back to serve. Thank you for taking a chance on me!
            The Lord worked and moved to fully bring this about and a little over 3 years ago, my family and I arrived back at Oak Hill to begin serving as one of your pastors. What a joy it was to finally be back with you to see old faces and new faces alike. God used those first 2 years to really help form, shape, and equip me in how to serve and love you in ways that utilized how He has uniquely designed and created me.
            This past Sunday, I was overwhelmed again by your love, generosity, and support in the affirmation of your call. I am so thankful, grateful, excited, ecstatic, humbled, and eager to serve you in a fuller capacity as Lead Pastor. Talk about a dream job! Both Jenilee and I are filled with a love and appreciation for Oak Hill that runs deep. We have thoroughly enjoyed investing the past 3 years into ministering here and are so pumped to see what God has in store for our church family for many years to come.
            Thank you for the ways that you have loved us so well as our congregation. We eagerly look forward to what God has in store for us together as Oak Hill Church. May we continue to seek Him first, honor Him above all, and love one another and those around us with the love that He first showed to us. I am excited to grow in this new role and, even though I will need your grace…lots of it…I am so humbled to get to continue to love and serve you as the Lord leads and has gifted me to do so.
 
Excited for the new journey together,
Pastor Ben