Five ways to describe him: He's older but not "old", funny, passionate, mostly random but organized when he needs to be.  A "coach" at heart.

What he does at Lighthouse: Ben says it clearly:  "I get to love kids!" His job is to plan, supervise, and implement spiritual growth, fellowship, service and outreach opportunities for junior high and Senior high youth. He teaches, counsels, and hangs out with kids. What a job!

His personal mission statement is: To embrace, envision, and inspire the love of God in today's youth!

His mental prowess: From his own mouth:  "I learnt my reedin, ritin, and rithmetic at Franklin Pierce High School (1965)."  In addition, Ben has a B.A. in history and education from Pacific Lutheran University (1969) and a Master's Degree in Counseling from the University of Puget Sound (1989).  

His physical prowess: Ben has climbed Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens (before 1980), Mt. Adams, and the Grand Teton.  He has also ridden the Seattle to Portland Bike ride three times. As you might have guessed, he also played football in high school and college. If you can climb it, peddle it or throw it, Ben's your man.

His emotional prowess: He cries at "teacher" movies.

His social prowess: He listens well.

His spiritual prowess: Ben is a humble man who confesses openly, "God's mercy and grace cover me!" 

His previous life: Ben taught high school history and coached football for 20 years and was a junior high counselor for ten years.  He also was a youth pastor for five years before going back into the school system to teach and counsel special needs children and youth for four years.   Wow!  This sounds like two lifetimes, not one!

His family: Ben admits that he is "surrounded by beautiful and wonderful females."   Marqua, his high school sweetheart, and he have been married since 1967. They have two grown daughters; Kristi Kellogg and Tessa Carlson. He have five awesome granddaughters; Amanda, Peyton, Madison,
Lauren, and Mickela.  Little known fact:  His son-in-law Kellogg played football for him back in the day.

His harmless addiction (now there's an oxymoron): ice cream (specifically a 7UP float)

Fun things he does: He loves to hike, bike, sea kayak, and take digital photos.

Most people don't know that: Ben is a published photographer. (Ask him about this. It's not as cool as it sounds.)

Not that you asked but:  Ben has been "beautifully" bald since age 25.