Celebrating Our Pastors This Month
This October, as we celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month, we are continuing our series of blog posts to help you get to know the pastors of Bay Life a little better. Today, we are highlighting Pastor Ben Diehl, who has been faithfully serving our church family for many years.
If you could only eat one food item for the rest of your life, what would it be?
BBQ pizza. Two of my favorites wrapped into one!
Tell us one thing most people do not know about you.
I have a rare bone condition that looks like dripping candle wax.
What Bible verse does God seem to continually bring you back to, sort of as a life verse?
A verse that seems to keep coming back to me recently is Philippians 1:27. At first glance, it seemed to be big and bold and just what I needed to hear. Really, it is just the first sentence of that verse:
"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ," (Philippians 1:27a, ESV)
It is such a great reminder to me to stay consistent and in all things in my life. No matter what I do or say, people should see Jesus through me.
What are you currently reading, aside from the Bible?
As much as I have tried to read for fun, I read when I have to; so that I can learn something. When I have to read, it is an audiobook version.
What does your ideal day look like? If you could do anything and go anywhere.
My ideal day would be spent in some form of nature, preferably somewhere mountainous, where I can breathe in the fresh air and soak in the views.
How did you meet your spouse and when did you know you wanted to marry them?
I met my wife in our college mailroom in December of 2002. I did not pay much attention to her until I saw her again in a class we had together, and a mutual friend introduced us. We dated through college. By the fall of our senior year, I just knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. The rest is history!
How did you come to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
I am that church kid; I grew up in church. Through the stories I heard in elementary ministry and the conversations with my dad, faith in Jesus came naturally. I put my faith in Jesus in fifth grade and was baptized shortly after.
How has God used your role as pastor to transform you?
Serving as a pastor has helped me recognize that life goes better when I let God shape my desires and direction. The practice of seeking His kingdom first allows me to put myself on the sidelines of “doing” and “performing.” It also teaches me to recognize how God is working in the ministry, often apart from anything I do. Knowing that God chooses to use me in this time and place helps me serve in this role from a much better place.
Describe your most recent personal encounter with Jesus.
My most recent personal encounter with Jesus? This is a tough one to answer for me. I could talk about just missing a recent car accident, being able to pay a medical bill that I did not know how it would work out, or favorable doctors’ appointments. For me, it is the little things. Being able to look back at recent events and see how Jesus guided conversations and ordered steps. Those things are small encounters where Jesus shows up in my life and lets me know that He is in control.
What specific ways would you like to see the members of Bay Life get more involved in ministry?
Bay Life Kids strives every week to teach the next generation of this church to love and follow Christ. It is more than just childcare; it is exposing them to the rich love of Jesus. Without the help of the church at large, this isn’t possible.
It is my prayer that the people of this church see this as a primary need that must be met; to come alongside our kids’ ministry to teach and pour into the next generation of churchgoers and leaders. To model for kids what it means to love and serve the Lord. What it means to worship our great God. Volunteer and give of yourself in order to lead these young kids to Jesus.
How can the people of Bay Life specifically pray for you and your family?
Pray that we can continue to lead our children well and raise kids who consistently seek after Jesus. Pray that we see God moving in ways we do not understand and give Him the glory He deserves.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I love this church. It is a special place. For 16 years I have been blessed to call Bay Life church my home, and for 14 of those years I have served on staff. You all have helped my family grow and mature, and I am so thankful to be part of what God is doing here.
Thank you, Pastor Ben, for your steady leadership and your heart for the next generation. Your passion for raising up young disciples inspires us to invest in what matters most, the gospel of Jesus Christ being passed on.
