Rev. Ben Wills, Pastor

Rev. Ben Wills is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Georgia, where he majored in Psychology with minors in vocal performance and religion. He began his career in ministry as a youth pastor at Washington First United Methodist Church in Washington, Georgia, and was a small group leader at the UGA Wesley Foundation. While attending seminary, Ben served as pastor in charge at Pleasant Valley UMC in Monroe, Georgia. In 2019, Ben graduated with honors, receiving his Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and was commissioned as a provisional Elder in the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. During his time at Candler, he received two awards for pastoral and academic excellence and was the chosen third-year student preacher for Teaching-Parish Day in Chapel. After Seminary, Ben spent three years serving as the Senior Associate Minister at LaGrange First United Methodist Church and was named to the LaGrange Daily News “Twenty under Forty” in 2020.

For fun, Ben loves spending time with his wife and son, consuming all things sports (especially UGA football…GO DAWGS), golfing, singing, hanging out with his family and friends, and playing with the Wills Family’s beloved miniature dachshund, Copper.

Ben’s wife, Sammi, is also a UGA grad and works as a registered nurse at Doctor’s Hospital. For fun, Sammi loves keeping up with college football, baking sweet treats, reading books, and spending time with Ben, Reid, and Copper.

In October of 2021, Ben and Sammi welcomed their first child, Reid, who is the light of their lives and a true blessing! You’ll find him running through the pews and always smiling!

Ben was appointed as the Pastor in Charge at Marvin United Methodist and Lewis Memorial United Methodist in July of 2022. He is enjoying getting connected with the Columbia County Community and his congregations!