Graduate Profile: Benenz Hitchcock

My name is Benenz Hitchcock. I live in Zionsville, PA. I have 5 children all under the age of 11 and I am married to my dear Krystle. I currently serve as the Pastor of the Bible Fellowship Church of Zionsville.

I was raised in a home where we seldom went to church. I was involved in the youth group for a short time. I had no desire for the things of the Lord. To be honest, my desire was for the ladies and that is why I was a part of the youth group. I am sure I had heard the truths of Christ and what He did on the cross, but I was enjoying my own life and doing things my own way. I had found my identity, and I was happy in it. It was not until I heard a timely message in my early 20’s by Todd Friel on Wretched TV that the Lord began to work in me to open me up to the glorious truths of the gospel. By God’s grace, I was led to Reformed Theology. I never dabbled in any other kind of theological thought. I heard John MacArthur and RC Sproul often as a new Christian.

From the earliest days of being Christian, I had a desire to preach the Word. I was fascinated by the power the Word had in my life and I wanted others to hear it too. I never would have thought that it would have led to seminary. It has not been an easy road. There were many times where I would tell Krystle that I cannot do it anymore and that I am just going to quit. But the Lord is faithful, and he kept me on the course.

I first heard about RBS on a plane ride back from Shepherds Conference in 2017. I remember having a conversation with my assistant pastor at the time about affordable seminaries that held strong biblical and theological positions. RBS was the first one that came up. I was encouraged to give it a try by a former church member who told me, “We gotta get you out of that quarry and do what God has called you to do!” I have found this very interesting because, early on, as a Christian I scoffed at the idea of seminary and thought it was a money-making enterprise. Nevertheless, here God has placed me, He sure has a sense of humor!

In my time at RBS, I have seen the Lord do great work in shaping and molding me into a man of godly character. Yes, the material is profitable and a joy to learn, but its applicability is what is distinct about RBS. I have seen the material go from page to practice time and time again. One of RBS’s greatest assets is its desire to have men continue to serve in the local church while studying. It was a blessing to have this experience.

Many thanks are in order, Dr. Gonzales for your patience with me and your willingness to respond to my questions and give honest critiques, Professor Emadi for your quick responses with the languages and helping me with any questions I had, Pastor’s Sarver and Reuther thank you for sharing your pulpits with me, for valuable sermon practice. Thank you to Grace BFC in Quakertown for your support over the past 5 and a half years, to Zionsville BFC for giving me the blessing to finish and to my dear Krystle for the sacrifice of your time to permit me to study, serve, and grow as a man, husband, and father. Thank you for your encouragement and for your timely motivation to press on.

Ultimately, all the glory belongs to Christ, who has shown himself faithful over these last 6 years and without his sacrifice on the cross, none of this is possible. As the hymn writer says,

To God be the glory, great things he has done,
So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,
Who yielded his life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Benenz Hitchcock