Born in Caracas, Venezuela, of missionary parents, Ben Maxson has spent much of his pastoral ministry in the Northwest and Southern United States. Fluent in Spanish, he also gravitated back to his roots in South America to serve in two missions there. Maxson held the position of director of Stewardship at the world headquarters of Seventh-day Adventists from 1995 to 2004. During this time, he discovered and developed a new paradigm emphasizing biblical stewardship and shared this vision with the world church. Currently Ben is serving as senior pastor of the Paradise California Seventh-day Adventist Church. Ben is married to Mary Maxson, who served as the director of the Women's Ministry Department for the North American Division, and now is an associate pastor at the Paradise Seventh-day Adventist Church. They have two adult children and one grandchild. Ben enjoys reading, developing ministry materials, and is an avid scuba diver. He also enjoys digital photography and golf. Ben has special interests in the areas of spirituality, discipleship, and leadership training.