Pastor Ben (he/him/his) is a well-respected jazz musician and United Church of Canada candidate for ordination who radiates calmness, warmth, and creativity, currently serving as our Minister with Jazz Ministries, Youth & Young Adults.
Pastor Ben specializes in modern music and the spoken word, blending influences from across the diverse traditions of music and Christian spirituality. Ben recently completed his theological studies by earning a Master of Divinity degree at Vancouver School of Theology, located at the University of British Columbia. Ben also holds a Bachelor of Jazz Studies in Performance and Composition from Capilano University, and a diploma in Orchestral Clarinet Performance from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Ben is originally from the Fraser Valley, and enjoys cooking, spending time outdoors, and playing cribbage with anyone who is remotely interested or willing to play with him. Ben’s ministerial passion is in the intersection of music, Christian spiritual traditions, ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, social activism, and trauma-informed evangelism and outreach amongst those in the first third of life.
For inquiries about our Youth, Young Adult, our 4pm Jazz Vespers programming, or other matters related to our jazz ministries, please contact Ben at his work email: yaya@standrewswesley.com
