Hello Midland Free family,
After many months of prayer, correspondence, and interviews, we are pleased to introduce Benjamin Cooley as the candidate for the Associate Pastor of Youth and Family position. We recognize that this has been a long and thoughtful process, and we are genuinely excited for our congregation to meet Ben and see firsthand his love for God, his passion for discipleship, and the depth of his experience in ministry.
Ben will be visiting Midland Free for his candidating visit from Thursday, January 29, through Monday, February 2. We will be hosting a forum on January 27 at 7 pm to answer questions and help you prepare for Ben’s candidating visit. A special business meeting will be held following the worship service on Sunday, February 8, at which time the congregation will decide whether to extend the position to him. We have prepared this information packet to help you get to know Ben more fully prior to his visit.
About Ben:
Ben and Melissa Cooley are Michigan natives and have been married for 24 years. Three years ago, they responded to God’s calling into foster care and subsequently adopted their daughters: Tiva (8), Willow (4), and Morgan (9 months). Ben began his ministry serving at the ROCK Youth Center while earning his degree in Christian Education and Youth Ministry. Since graduating, he has served as a youth pastor at three churches, including his current role in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Melissa grew up in Midland, and together they are excited about the possibility of returning closer to family.
We would also like to share how the search committee arrived at extending candidacy to Ben. The committee was formed in September 2024 to begin searching for a youth pastor in anticipation of Pastor Chuck’s retirement. As we moved through the process, the Lord made it clear that there was a mismatch between the original job description and the needs of our congregation. We recognized the need for someone who could shepherd families and oversee children’s ministry in addition to leading youth ministry; someone with greater experience than the original role was attracting. As a result, in September the congregation voted to expand the position to Associate Pastor of Youth and Family.
Following the approval of the expanded role, we reopened the search process. The committee reviewed numerous resumes and questionnaires, and we have included Ben’s resume and completed questionnaire in this packet to help you learn more about him and his approach to ministry. After conducting video interviews with several top candidates, we invited Ben and his family to Midland for an in-person interview with the search committee and elder board, as well as an opportunity to experience the culture and rhythm of our church. This upcoming candidating visit will be your opportunity to meet Ben and his family, ask questions, and hear some of his teaching in person. As noted, a special business meeting will be held on Sunday, February 8, to determine whether we will formally offer the position to Ben.
In anticipation of his visit, we encourage you to pray, watch some of Ben’s past sermons, and begin preparing questions. We will also be hosting a forum ahead of his candidating visit; additional details will be shared in the near future. We are excited for you to meet Ben and his family and look forward to seeing how God continues to work in and through our church.
Associate Pastor of Youth and Family Search Committee
Kim Anderson
Carol Bogan
Kurt Gelman
Luke Richard
Carrie Smith
Nate Stelzer
Josh Stevens
Follow the links below to see and hear more about Ben.
Resume
Questionnaire
Teaching & Preaching
Job Description
We have several events where you can spend some time with Ben and get to know him.
