Ben is the lead pastor of the Avenue Christian Church in Louisville Kentucky an innovative church plant adjacent to the University of Louisville's campus.  Ben has over 15 years ministry experience and is a graduate of Anderson University in Indiana. He started as the youth minister at Madison Park Church of God in Anderson, Indiana where he served for 7 years before moving to Louisville, Kentucky & Southeast Christian Church. Ben spent 4 years leading Southeast's student ministry department before taking over their college & young adult ministry, the Post, 3 years ago.  While at Southeast, Ben also headed up the Southeast Leadership Conference for two years.   Ben is married to Sarah and have two boys, Cole, 7 and Caden, 5 and are awaiting adoption of baby Claire from Ethiopia.  Ben has been a speaker for events on college campuses, leadership training events, for CIY conferences and many more student events around the country.  He was named one of the top twenty youth ministers in the country by the church report in 2007 and is writing his first book with group publishing, "Thrive: doing more than surviving on a secular college campus!"

Recommendation from others

"When Ben Hardman speaks, you actually believe another world is possible;  that you can help be apart of bringing the kingdom of heaven here to earth.  He's someone I respect, someone I consider a friend and a deeply compelling voice for this generation." - Steve Carter, Student Ministries Pastor, Mars Hill Bible Church

"Ben Hardman is the real deal.  Over the past 15 years I have developed a deep admiration for his heart and loyalty to ministry as well as his passion for needs around the world.  He is an extremely strong communicator who speaks with charisma and conviction.  Personally, I think it is his great sense of humor and genuine ability to connect that makes Ben such a sought after speaker." - Ben Rough, National speaker and Event Manager Compassion International

"Ben Hardman is an excellent communicator who relates well and inspires to obedient living.  He is of the highest moral character and has a humble spirit while being confident of the gifts God has given him." - Bob Russell, Speaker, Author & Former Senior Minister at Southeast Christian Church

"Ben was a huge asset to our Middle School youth conference.  Not only was he flexible, prepared, and easy to work with, he also connected with our students in creative and relevant ways.  Whether through an audio clip, video segment, personal illustration, or humorous anecdote, students were engaged and plugged in.  I would highly recommend bringing Ben to your next event." - Keith Parker, Director of Junior High Journey Conference

"Ben Hardman is one of the most creative and insightful ministers I know.  His knowledge of the Bible and of youth culture makes it easy for him to help students connect what is happening in their lives to what God is trying to do in the world.  His passion for mercy and justice in the world will open your students' eyes to ways they can make a difference in the world around them.  I've been listening to Ben Hardman for the past couple years and I know that he will challenge you just as much as he challenges your students." - Jesse DeYoung, High School Minister, Okolona Christian Church

"Ben Hardman is a dynamic creative communicator. With fresh approaches and visual aids, his messages are always memorable. He is able to keep the attention of students of all ages like few others I've seen. His humility and authentic spirit comes across clearly when speaks. He has the rare ability to connect extremely well with both students and adults." - Kyle Idleman, Speaker & Teacher, Southeast Christian Church

"I can't tell you how many times I have skipped out on other sessions to drop in and hear Ben speak.  He is incredibly gifted and would be a great asset to any event.  He is funny, insightful and all of my kids love him to death!" - Sandi Patty, Singer, Author & Winner of 39 Dove Awards and 5 Grammy Awards