In this episode, Ben Herr shares his personal journey of faith and how he encountered Jesus in a transformative way at the age of 18. He discusses the foundation of his faith growing up in a conservative Baptist family and the pivotal moments of his life that solidified his relationship with Jesus. Ben is honest about the challenges he has faced in his marriage and as a father, and how God used these experiences to shape him into a more loving and selfless person. His story is one that will remind you of the miracles we still wait for and how to keep hope in the midst of that waiting—even when it is so painful. We know you will love Ben’s story and will be so inspired by his faith and steadfast hope in Jesus.

Key Takeaways:

* Ben’s encounter with Jesus on a hiking trip transformed his life and led him to pursue full-time ministry.

* The importance of self-reflection and examining our own brokenness in order to grow and change.

* The power of sacrificial love in marriage and parenting, and how it can truly transform relationships.

* The journey of navigating a child's decision to walk away from faith and the importance of remaining hopeful and steadfast in prayer.

* The role of Scripture in guiding and transforming our lives, and the importance of daily seeking God through prayer and meditation.

Ben Herr has dedicated his life to serving young people. A graduate of the University of Oregon with a BS in Finance, Ben found his calling in youth ministry during his time as a Young Life volunteer. He joined Young Life staff in 1984, serving in various leadership roles until 2008, including managing the development of Young Life’s Washington Family Ranch.

Married to Judy since 1984 and father to three daughters, Ben continued his commitment to community service as the Executive Director of the Master’s Plan Foundation from 2008 to 2020 and as a volunteer with Young Life. Currently, he helps lead a college ministry at George Fox University and serves on the board of Safe Families for Children in Portland. Ben and Judy now live in Dundee, close to their family and grandchildren.

To connect with Ben, email us at come.union.info@gmail.com and we will connect you!

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In this episode, co-hosts Erin and Ramonita dive deep into their personal ministry journeys, sharing the highs and lows of their experiences serving in the church. They touch upon the critical importance of maintaining a strong connection with God amidst the demands of ministry and open up about their struggles with burnout. Throughout the conversation, they dissect the pressures of performing versus serving from a genuine place, setting realistic expectations for themselves, and the essential role of encouraging leadership in fostering a healthy ministry environment.

Erin and Ramonita also highlight the pivotal reason behind their commitment to ministry—Jesus. They provide practical advice for anyone navigating the complexities of church service, emphasizing that true ministry extends beyond official titles and into daily acts of kindness and connection with everyone we incounter. Join Erin and Ramonita as they offer insights and encouragement for anyone involved in or contemplating church ministry, highlighting that the journey is as much about personal growth as it is about communal contribution.

Key Takeaways:

* Intimacy Over Performance:** Ministry should spring from a deep, personal relationship with Christ, not from a desire to perform or impress others.

* Recognize Your Season:** Understanding and accepting the fluctuating capacities we have in different life stages can help manage expectations and prevent burnout.

* Ministry Everywhere:** Serving God isn't confined to structured church roles; it encompasses all forms of interactions and relationships in our daily lives.

* Stay Rooted in Your 'Why':** It’s vital to continually recall the core of our faith—Jesus—to avoid being disillusioned by the imperfections of human-led institutions.

* Be Solution-Focused:** Actively seeking ways to contribute to the betterment of the church can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and service.

In this episode, Berm Dorante shares his journey of resilience and the healing power of worship and community. From his early encounters with church and music in Kansas City to his move to Jacksonville, Florida, Berm found peace and refuge in his faith and in worship music. He discovered his talent and passion for singing in eighth grade, which ignited his love for leading worship. Throughout his journey, Berm experienced both growth and challenges in his role in the church, which prompted him to reevaluate his approach and focus on personal healing and growth. He shares his experiences of working in ministry, the complexities of faith, and the importance of forgiveness and seeking God's will in his life. This is an episode that will speak to all who have experienced the beauty and the brokenness that can be found in ministry & church—and yet the hope that is still found in Christ in the midst of it all when we put our focus back where it belongs. We can’t wait for you to hear Berm’s story and be encouraged to keep going in your faith!

Key Takeaways:

* Berm's early encounters with church and music in Kansas City laid the foundation for his deep connection to his faith and his love for worship.

* Worship became a refuge for Berm during challenging times in his life, and he found peace and healing through music and the presence of God.

* Berm's passion for worship led him to pursue ministry and attend a ministry school, where he learned valuable skills in leading worship and serving others.

* He experienced both growth and challenges in his role in the church, which taught him the importance of setting boundaries and seeking God's will above all else.

* Berm's journey in worship has been transformative, and he has witnessed the power of worship to bring healing, reconciliation, and a deeper understanding of forgiveness and faith.

Berm Dorante, based in Nashville, TN, is a worship leader and songwriter. He attends church at the Belonging Co. where he volunteers as a youth leader and dedicates his time to encouraging and investn in the next generation. Berm's passion for nurturing faith through music and ministry can be followed through on his social media on Instagram and TikTok at @berm.msc

Connect with us!

Follow us on instagram @come.union

Subscribe to our newsletter at come-union.com and subscribe to the podcast on this listening platform too!