In seventh grade I took a career aptitude test that said I should work with people and ideas. Honestly, it wasn’t far off. Since then, I’ve made my life about helping people understand the Bible, build a conversational relationship with God, and be empowered to follow Jesus in every area of life. People, ideas, (and the one the test missed) the presence of God. 

My heart for the church is that we would reclaim a way of following Jesus that is both cross shaped and Spirit filled. We need more of God’s empowering presence and the character of Christ to match. As a pastor, I help people think deeply about God and build rhythms to cultivate a real relationship with God. I love teaching the Bible, walking with people, running workshops on prayer, and helping pastors build better ecosystems for discipleship. 

If there’s a way I can be helpful to your journey of faith or come alongside the community you belong to, let’s connect.

Ben Simonson is the Executive Director of Ministries and Associate Teaching Pastor at Rockharbor Church in Costa Mesa, CA. Ben is passionate about helping people become Cross shaped, Spirit filled disciples of Jesus. He holds a MA in Theology from Vanguard University. Ben is married to Bethany and has two kids, Nora and Charlie. He enjoys hanging with his family, rewatching Star Wars, collecting records & CDs, and grilling.