After this most recent Supreme Court session, there were two buzz words that seemed to be on the lips of everyone: Christian theocracy. If you have been listening to my show for a while, then you know that issues of faith are often something we discuss and I wanted to bring in someone who has experienced this personally and professionally.

Fresh from Denver, raised in Oklahoma, Ben Mann (they/them) "Pastor Ben" has spent a career-long obsession with growing dynamic campaigns and ministries. From a humble beginning of raising funds for a small adoption agency to recently filming the international smash Coming Out Colton (available on Netflix), Pastor Ben considers their top value a commitment to excellence.

Presently, they serve as Senior Pastor at the Metropolitan Community Church of the Rockies, part of the MCC network, an international gathering of churches founded within the LGBTQ+ community. Here, they share the joy of Christ's vision with an intergenerational, diverse congregation that seeks to serve the marginalized. In addition to this work, they serve as a Chaplain at the University of Colorado Hospital, where they counsel and support families in the Transgender Clinic and beyond.

Beyond the persistent pursuit of learning and justice, Pastor Ben is a pet parent to Aster (their rescue dog) and an avid fan of karaoke. When not working they enjoy spending time with friends and family, as well as cooking and hosting dinner parties.

If they could share one mantra, they would reiterate something that a former boss used to emphasize, "Bloom where you're planted."

IG: https://www.instagram.com/queerpastorben

Twitter: https://twitter.com/queerpastorben

Church Website: https://www.mccrockies.org/