Ben Wikner

Ben Wikner is one of the newer pastors at Covenant Life, having served on staff since 2008. Prior to coming here, Ben was a pastor in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Temecula, CA from 1999 to 2005. Of this ministry background, Ben remarked, “I’m so grateful for all that I experienced coming from a reformed, high church background like the OPC.” He continued, “It served me exceedingly well for my ministry training, but God definitely brought us here to serve Covenant Life, and it has felt a little like coming home to us.”

Ben was born in South Korea, was orphaned and then adopted into a Christian family in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Suffice it to say, identity was a dominant issue for Ben growing up, but when he was 19 years old, God revealed himself to him and Ben committed his life to follow Jesus. One of the things Ben is most grateful for is his secure identity as God’s precious and beloved son, through his Savior Jesus Christ. Such wonderful truth, as well as his own experience, has given Ben a real heart for orphans, adoption and vulnerable children.

Ben holds a BA from Covenant College, and a M.Div. from Westminster Theological Seminary in California. It was at Covenant College where he met his wife Erin and first sensed a call to pastoral ministry.

Ben now serves with the Family Life team of pastors where his responsibilities include pastoral oversight for a number of Care Groups, teaching classes, leading in various missions and being the resident (former) Presbyterian.

The Wikners have six children, which keeps them busy, tired and humble. “But,” commented Ben, “We wouldn’t have it any other way. We are so amazed and grateful that we get to pastor our children as well as to serve this church.”