S12E04 | Prioritizing Christ, Others, and Excellence: Ben Coronado
March 3, 2026
“You use it everywhere … It’s at the heart of what it means to disciple,” claims guest Ben Coronado, lauding the relevance of Maranatha’s biblical counseling studies. The program was an interlude in his MDiv studies and is now the focus of his doctoral pursuit. Ben explains the practical integration of his life mission into his daily routine. After recounting his pastoral call, the dialogue shifts into a broader reflection on today’s unwillingness to promote vocational ministry among young men. In retrospect, Ben identifies ministry skills he acquired as student body president and from extension opportunities. Then, host Dr. Matt Davis contrasts Ben’s internship at Shalom Ministries with the growing trend of antisemitism among professed Christians, attributing the trend to misguided theology.
About our guest
Ben Coronado is the worship and discipleship pastor at Fairview Baptist Church in Decatur, Alabama, and is a chaplain with the Decatur Police Department. A Maranatha alumnus, Ben served as student body president and in Guest Services. Upon graduation, he became a youth pastor at his home church and continued his studies, earning an MA in Biblical Counseling while pursuing an MDiv. Ben and his wife, Beth [‘16], have four children and joyfully await a new little one.
