My name is Ben Hopman. I currently reside in Calgary, Alberta where I have lived for the last 22 years. I have been married to my loving wife, Christina for 18 years, and we have 5 children between the ages of 6 and 14. I am employed full time as a Building Operator, and I currently serve at Grace Church of Cochrane as a pastoral intern.

Reflecting on my Christian heritage, I was born in Ontario and grew up in a believing home. My parents always attended church and sent me to Sunday school and any church programs available. My mother spent time discipling my siblings and I by reading Bible stories and helping us memorize Scripture. However, it was not until my later teenage years that my faith became sincere. Up until that point, my obedience and behaviour were driven by a respect for my parents and not a love or fear of God.
When I was in my late 18th year, I met a youth pastor who challenged what I thought and professed about God. His source of truth in these challenges was the Word of God. As he discipled me, my faith suddenly became real. I longed to know the God of the Scriptures and to follow him. After taking a year off post high school, I went to Word of Life Bible Institute for a few years and grew in my knowledge and understanding of God.
Near the end of my time at Word of Life, I was introduced to Reformed Theology. Over the next 18 years, through serving in a healthy Reformed Baptist church, I grew to recognize the truths of the doctrines of grace. In my service, I was encouraged to consider furthering my studies of God’s Word. RBS was a great option as I could study, serve in the church, and support my family at the same time.
To say that the last few years have been easy would be a lie. The challenges I have faced with response to government authority, ecclesiastical structure, and strong disagreements among fellow brothers and sisters in Christ have been a heavy trial. However, the classes I took in Church History, Pastoral Theology, and Counseling have shown me the importance of seeing and savoring Christ.
God has taught me the importance of the hope that we as Christians have. This world is not our home. I long to display to my neighbours, friends, co-workers, and fellow Christians that following Jesus has far greater value and joy than anything this world has to offer. I have faith in the finished work of Christ and the goodness of God. I have hope that he is faithful to fulfil all that he has promised. And I long to love him increasingly and demonstrate that love to my neighbour.