My father is Ben Windle, the pastor at Discover Church in Franklin. I interviewed him recently about why and how he became a pastor.
He told me that a youth pastor inspired him to become a pastor.
“He made a big difference in my life,” my dad told me. “He was the kind of mentor that showed me the power of investing in others, and that inspired me to do the same. His influence on me was significant, and it made me want to pursue ministry to make a similar impact in the lives of others.”
After a lot of prayer, my dad was given opportunities to serve in ministry, particularly teaching youth groups and leading Bible studies. Those experiences brought him an incredible sense of fulfillment.
“I felt like I was doing what God had called me to do, and that feeling of being in the Lord’s will kind of ‘ruined’ me for everything else.”
At the time, he was in the communications industry, making a lot of money; but he felt unfulfilled.
“I knew God had called me to ministry, and once I made that decision, He blessed every step I took.”
He said a time when he saw God move most powerfully in his ministry was when he and his family decided to move to Franklin. It was a huge decision, moving away from family and taking a risk by planting a church in a place they didn’t know. But from the moment they arrived, they felt called here [Franklin].
Shortly after, the pastor that my dad was serving under decided to leave, which led to my dad becoming the lead pastor. There were financial challenges, but God cleared every obstacle. At one point, my dad thought our church building might be torn down, so God provided [the church] with a new building.
Living in Franklin has truly been a demonstration of God’s power for my dad and our family.
A place he goes for spiritual renewal is on mission trips. It takes him out of his usual bubble and into a different country, where he gets to see how God is moving in unique ways through different people. Serving in a way that’s different from our day-to-day responsibilities at home really refreshes him. He also loves being around other believers who are passionate about what God is doing in their part of the world. It’s inspiring and deeply renewing, he told me.
My dad thinks it’s important to attend church in today’s society because so many people are more alienated from one another than ever before.
“Loneliness rates are at an all-time high,” he said, “and we live in a world where everything is automated. You pump your own gas, check out your own groceries, shop online, and you can even attend church online. But in-person church attendance is crucial because we’re called to be the body of Christ – to be the hands and feet of Christ. We are meant to minister to others just as much as we are ministered to. When you pray for others, teach them, or even just sing alongside them, you are fulfilling a unique calling from God. That’s something that can only happen when we gather in person.”
Ben Windle’s journey and insights highlight the importance of community, faith, and following God’s calling, no matter the personal or practical challenges. His ministry continues to grow and thrive – a testament to his dedication and God’s guidance.
Pictured above: Ben and Logan Windle