Reverend Ben Butler: MUW Alumnus

Today I have the privilege of interviewing Ben Butler, MUW class of December, 2003, who now is Pastor of Caledonia and Flint Hill United Methodist Churches.

In what extra-curricular activities did you participate at the W?

I was active in Wesley Foundation (United Methodist Campus Ministry); New Horizons (pop music group), the Jazz Band, and Chorale .

Is this the church/denomination in which you were raised, or is it one you have chosen? 

 Yes, though my conversion to faith and call to discipleship was experienced through other ministries.

Is there a major conversion story about your life that you would like to tell us?

I had been in church over the years in my pre-college years, but it was not until my second year of college that the good news of Christ's coming, life, death, and resurrection captured my heart and imagination. Through the influence of Christian friends, campus ministry, and some special events that the good news of salvation and the call to follow Christ became increasingly clear. It was quite dramatic because my life had taken a turn for the worse toward the end of high school and early college. 

When did you first decide to go into this type of ministry? Why?

I came to a firm realization that my God-given spiritual gifts and passion would best be employed as a pastor in mid to late 2001. However, I believe God had been planting the seeds of this pastoral calling in my life as early as Fall 1999 during my first semester at MUW. There is a fantastic hymn called "Here I Am, Lord" that I learned while at MUW that semester that always brings me back to this time of my life when I sing it. There is a line that in the hymn that states, "I have heard you calling in the night." I can literally remember lying in bed one night in my dorm room that Fall and in my mind imagined standing behind the pulpit at my home church. I wrestled with what God was calling me to do with my life. I believe that late night experience was a pivotal event in his calling in my life. God's love for me in Christ, his dramatic work to turn my life around, and a conviction that God desires to love and save all just as I have experienced are realities that have, and hopefully continue to, propel me.

How has your MUW experience helped you?

Involvement at the Wesley Foundation was incredibly important in my growth as a disciple of Jesus and answering God's call to pastoral ministry. My interaction with a variety of students, faculty, and staff no doubt helped to develop my ability to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, personalities, and perspectives. 

What schooling did you have after MUW? 

I sensed God calling me to seminary, and God's call led me to Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY where I pursued a Master of Divinity which I completed in May 2008. 

What do you enjoy most about your ministry?

Working with our youth, preaching and worship leadership, and getting other people involved in ministries of outreach and witness. 

What do you find most challenging? 

The administrative side has been overwhelming at times, especially having to "double-dip" with two congregations who require the same committees, paperwork, and reports. 

What advice would you have for MUW students considering a ministry like yours?

Prayer and searching the Scriptures are important. Also, seek a variety of opportunities to discover and use your spiritual gifts in service and sharing your faith with others. Seek out trusted pastors and Christian leaders who can talk about his/her sense of God's call in his/her life. Look at the abilities and talents you have, and ask yourself how these could be employed in ministry. Explore the sacrifices as well as joys of life in this way. Above all, trust that as you walk this path of prayer, service, and conversation that God will speak to you. 

If I moved to your town and shared your basic beliefs, why should I join your church (rather than the one down the street)? 

The churches are small, so you know everyone and each person's presence and service has a more demonstrable impact; however, I see growth happening, so it is exciting to be involved in helping new people become a part of the life of the church; these churches have a lot of God's love to share, and they do that on a regular basis; finally, we are reaching out to others in various ways. I believe these churches are communities who are growing as disciples of Jesus Christ and are gearing up for greater faithfulness in the kingdom of God.

Do you have any advice for those trying to find their spiritual path?

Immerse yourself in the Story of God in Christ found in the Bible. Seek intimacy with God through prayer. The book of Psalms include many sincere, intimate, gutsy, and honest prayers which you may find powerful in your own praying. Seek out serious books that help you make sense of the message of Scripture, discipleship, and spiritual formation. Such books may not be in the "religion and spirituality" section of Wal-Mart or Books-a-Million. Seek out a community of people who intentionally gather in the name of Jesus Christ to worship God, build Christ-like relationships of trust and love, serve others (especially outside the church), and study the faith seriously through the power of the Holy Spirit. Look for a community that is not afraid of questions, is passionate for the Truth who is Jesus Christ, yet gracious and humble. Seek a community that is eager to journey and pray with you. Be aware of the great diversity within the larger Christian tradition. Look long and hard at the God revealed in Jesus Christ. Are the spiritualities and theologies I am being encouraged to embrace consistent with the totality of the message of the Bible and the central figure of God's Son, Jesus Christ? 

Do you have any hobbies?  

I enjoy cooking with my wife; reading; playing guitar and singing. 

Tell me about your family.

 I am married to an incredible woman named Melissa Meyer Butler, a W graduate whom I got to know while attending MUW, and especially through Wesley Foundation activities; We had our first child in May 2009, a precious little girl named Natalie Gail 

What is it like trying to mix ministry and family responsibilities?

It can be difficult, especially serving two congregations. One has to be constantly reminded that being fully devoted to Christ does not mean that one must neglect family in order to serve the church. Taking care of my family is a primary calling that must not be sacrificed. 


Anything else you want to tell us?

Let your life journey be about finding out what it means to find your identity and sense of worth as one of God's Beloved Children who above all desires to become a Great Lover of God and People.

Thank you Ben for spending time with us, and may God bless you and your ministry.