Ben Heffernan grew up in a pastor’s home in Wichita, Kansas. He placed his faith in Jesus Christ to be his Savior from sin and death at the early age of 6, and sensed God’s call upon his life for full-time Christian service shortly thereafter. He attended Bob Jones University for theological education as he sought God’s will and completed a B.A. in Bible, an M.A. in Theology, and a Ph.D. in Theological Studies. It was at BJU that Ben met his beautiful bride, Elizabeth Schaefer. They were married in May, 2008, and God has blessed their union with 8 children: Samuel, Isaiah, Tirzah, Jeremiah, Hadessah, Anna, Lydia and Daniel. While attending seminary, Pastor Ben served at Faith Baptist Church in Linville, North Carolina for 8 years as an assistant pastor. In 2016, God directed Ben’s heart toward pastoral ministry and led him to Bethel Community Baptist Church where he joyfully serves. He enjoys the teaching and preaching of the Word, playing with his children, participating in the church youth group, playing and teaching piano, following and playing any sport, and all things that involve competition. “I am thrilled to be serving in a church that has strong, humble lay leadership, and loves each other like a tight-knit family!” – Pastor Ben Heffernan
Dan Kobernat trusted Christ as his personal Savior when he was five years old. At the age of 12, he felt God’s call on him to full time Christian service while attending church camp in North Carolina. After graduating from Maranatha Baptist University with a degree in Church Ministries in 1998, Dan met Amy and they were married in 2000. With the help of Amy, Dan has served in various ministries such as camp program director, Christian school teacher and administrator, and youth pastor. In 2013, He came on staff at Bethel as youth director and assistant to the pastor. Dan and Amy have 10 children and are thankful for the opportunity to serve with the folks at Bethel.
